NOA2 on May 3rd, but no

[reeses16 8]

Just to be clear. If I change my address, then I can get a copy for free? I can just change it to my parents address if thats the case.

I was PM-ing with another VJ-er in the same boat. Neither of us have hard copies yet either. I called USCIS again (the 1-800 number on the NOA1) and followed what I had done before - the address change prompts. Got an operator who said it was $200 or nothing.

But then I did what the PMer recommended (don't know why I didn't the first time) - call and follow prompts for an RFE received. that kicks you to a CSC operator (not standard USCIS operator). i explained and said "i don't have $200!!! that's more than the filing fee!" he said that sucked and basically went through and "changed" my address from "#" to "APT #" and said that gave him the system message that it had been regenerated for printing. He said wait a few days and see what happens. So i'm waiting until the end of next week to make further calls.

this squares with the USCIS operators indication that if you had changed addresses, they could send a second copy (or, ahem, a first) - otherwise, pay up.

So, try calling the USCIS line, and follow the RFE prompts and hope for a reasonable, helpful CSC operator!

[TimsDaisy 0]

That was the implication - whether that is fact, I don't know. We'll see. I think that's the experiment the CSC operator was conducting for me. And it was the implication I got from the USCIS operator, but I didn't get too specific.

I would call the 800 #, go through the RFE prompts, see what you get out of a CSC operator and go from there.

[Epiphany 0]

I was PM-ing with another VJ-er in the same boat. Neither of us have hard copies yet either. I called USCIS again (the 1-800 number on the NOA1) and followed what I had done before - the address change prompts. Got an operator who said it was $200 or nothing.

But then I did what the PMer recommended (don't know why I didn't the first time) - call and follow prompts for an RFE received. that kicks you to a CSC operator (not standard USCIS operator). i explained and said "i don't have $200!!! that's more than the filing fee!" he said that sucked and basically went through and "changed" my address from "#" to "APT #" and said that gave him the system message that it had been regenerated for printing. He said wait a few days and see what happens. So i'm waiting until the end of next week to make further calls.

this squares with the USCIS operators indication that if you had changed addresses, they could send a second copy (or, ahem, a first) - otherwise, pay up.

So, try calling the USCIS line, and follow the RFE prompts and hope for a reasonable, helpful CSC operator!

My take........

CSC wants more money. Follow the money. If they forget to mail it and the re-charge you another 200 they double their money.

[Jennifer + James 0]

That was the implication - whether that is fact, I don't know. We'll see. I think that's the experiment the CSC operator was conducting for me. And it was the implication I got from the USCIS operator, but I didn't get too specific.

I would call the 800 #, go through the RFE prompts, see what you get out of a CSC operator and go from there.

Please let us know if you receive it! I am going to try calling using these prompts as well.

I had the other response about $200 from the USCIS operator. There was another thread on this issue, where someone said they somehow got through to CSC as well and gotten help through them too. I really don't think we should have to pay $200!

Thanks for the tips!

[Jennifer + James 0]

Please let us know if you receive it! I am going to try calling using these prompts as well.

I had the other response about $200 from the USCIS operator. There was another thread on this issue, where someone said they somehow got through to CSC as well and gotten help through them too. I really don't think we should have to pay $200!

Thanks for the tips!

Great update! I just got through to CSC by following the prompts for an RFE, and before I even started my schpeel about not getting the NOA2, she said "Ok, it seems there is a problem, the notice was sent back to us. There seems to be a problem on all notices that were sent out for approvals on that day. We will send you a duplicate copy and you do not have to pay any fee. You can expect it within 20 days."

I was like Wow!! that is exactly the information I wanted to hear!

So I don't know if you have to call to make sure you get the duplicate...but at least she acknowledged that there was a problem with the May 3rd people. Hopefully they will correct the problem for everyone!

[reeses16 8]

Yes! Thanks for the update. I just called. I got a similar story...the rep said that some of the Notices were NEVER printed (tell me something I didn't know!) and some never arrived (returned mail)-but basically like you said May 3rd approvals were really messed up. She asked for my phone # and an alternate number and said to keep watching the mail. They would resend it to me (FREE!). While I was on the line, I explained I had left for vacation, I forwarded my mail via USPS, but wanted to be cautious and asked to change the adress and have it sent to my parent's address. She said it was no problem and would not affect my NOA2 being issued. Okay...so I guess we wait.

I love y'all.

-Dodie

Great update! I just got through to CSC by following the prompts for an RFE, and before I even started my schpeel about not getting the NOA2, she said "Ok, it seems there is a problem, the notice was sent back to us. There seems to be a problem on all notices that were sent out for approvals on that day. We will send you a duplicate copy and you do not have to pay any fee. You can expect it within 20 days."

I was like Wow!! that is exactly the information I wanted to hear!

So I don't know if you have to call to make sure you get the duplicate...but at least she acknowledged that there was a problem with the May 3rd people. Hopefully they will correct the problem for everyone!

[TimsDaisy 0]

one thing i forgot to mention yesterday: the CSC operator i talked to implied that printouts of the online portfolio showing your approval are "supposed" to satisfy the NOA2 requirement for AOS. Now, the way he said it sounded to me like people weren't always accepting that in place of the NOA2. I can't confirm that this is accepted practice or allowed under regulation. But that's the information he gave me, so I'll pass it along for anyone to do with as he/she pleases.

It may also be something for those calling CSC to ask about too, see what other information we get on that.

[reeses16 8]

Yeah, initially I was thinking we would submitt our AOS with the online portfolio & the CRIS approval emails. I didn't start freaking about about the NOA2 until I read in another thread that it would have Teddy's Alien Registration Number on it. But isn't that supposed to be written on his visa in as well?

one thing i forgot to mention yesterday: the CSC operator i talked to implied that printouts of the online portfolio showing your approval are "supposed" to satisfy the NOA2 requirement for AOS. Now, the way he said it sounded to me like people weren't always accepting that in place of the NOA2. I can't confirm that this is accepted practice or allowed under regulation. But that's the information he gave me, so I'll pass it along for anyone to do with as he/she pleases.

It may also be something for those calling CSC to ask about too, see what other information we get on that.

[reeses16 8]

Hey, just checked my USCIS online and I was touched 6/10...maybe they are re-printing my NOA2. Anyone else get a touch?

[msu17 0]

After calling and getting the Cali lady (who was very nice and is supposed to be calling me later this week to check if I got the paper copy) I had a touch that day and the next. I'm hoping this means its being printed. However my online status still says processing... No CRIS e-mail or online approval for me!

[sukrd 0]

Sounds Like not receiving an NOA 2 hard copy is common. My last and only touch after NOA1 was on 5/09. No email, nothing. I received a NVC letter dated 21 may, still no NOA2. So I guess the touch on 5/09 was the approval..?? Another "Hawaii" member just received his in the mail, this past Saturday. So I'm hoping to get it this week. It's basically been over 1 month after approval and no hard copy. I'll give it another week. then if I still get nothing I'll try to track it down.

[msu17 0]

Sounds Like not receiving an NOA 2 hard copy is common. My last and only touch after NOA1 was on 5/09. No email, nothing. I received a NVC letter dated 21 may, still no NOA2. So I guess the touch on 5/09 was the approval..?? Another "Hawaii" member just received his in the mail, this past Saturday. So I'm hoping to get it this week. It's basically been over 1 month after approval and no hard copy. I'll give it another week. then if I still get nothing I'll try to track it down.

He also didnt hear anything until he contacted his senator. They probably wont just send it out, so you should really start calling either Cali or your representatives.

[TimsDaisy 0]

Still haven't seen the hard copy yet, but just checked the online portfolio again and the date changed to 6/6 - which would be when I had my conversation with the friendly guy at CSC. We'll see if the hard copy turns up.

Next step will be to contact a congressional office.

btw: if you click "printer friendly version" of either the portfolio list or the case status page, you get a pdf of the status. I have saved copies of those and printed out - figure that, in-case, I can see if they really are accepted at the AOS stage. I hope not to test that CSC-operator's theory, however.

[JoanBill 0]

Still haven't seen the hard copy yet, but just checked the online portfolio again and the date changed to 6/6 - which would be when I had my conversation with the friendly guy at CSC. We'll see if the hard copy turns up.

Next step will be to contact a congressional office.

btw: if you click "printer friendly version" of either the portfolio list or the case status page, you get a pdf of the status. I have saved copies of those and printed out - figure that, in-case, I can see if they really are accepted at the AOS stage. I hope not to test that CSC-operator's theory, however.

Personally, I wouldn't have a lot of faith in what anyone from that agency told me. Every time I spoke with them, they seemed like a nice - albeit clueless bunch. Getting the real thing in the mail two days ago was an enormous relief. I wouldn't settle for anything less.

Sounds Like not receiving an NOA 2 hard copy is common. My last and only touch after NOA1 was on 5/09. No email, nothing. I received a NVC letter dated 21 may, still no NOA2. So I guess the touch on 5/09 was the approval..?? Another "Hawaii" member just received his in the mail, this past Saturday. So I'm hoping to get it this week. It's basically been over 1 month after approval and no hard copy. I'll give it another week. then if I still get nothing I'll try to track it down.

He also didnt hear anything until he contacted his senator. They probably wont just send it out, so you should really start calling either Cali or your representatives.

I agree 100%. Call Akaka.

[TimsDaisy 0]

Giving this one a bump -

Hey May-Approvals - any more hard copy NOA2s turned up? Still nothing here. Will be calling congressional office Monday if nothing comes today or tomorrow.

USCIS page showed another "touch" on June 6, but nothing in snail mail yet. Should be here by Friday (that'd be about the same mail time as for the NOA1), but I'm not feeling like it will.