Unfortunately Need to Reschedule AOS Interview

[visaquestion1234 34]

Hi All,

 

So my wife’s AOS interview was scheduled for April 15th, 2020. Like countless others, this was cancelled due to COVID. We waited and waited and accepted that it wasn’t going to be soon. Finally, last Thursday (8/20) we saw that our status was changed to Interview was Scheduled. Awesome! Today we got the NOA and the date: September 9th.
 

Here lies many issues with that date:

 

1) We are currently halfway across the country. My home state requires a 14 day quarantine for returning residents. We were planning on leaving as early as this weekend in order to fulfill that requirement. Since the date is literally two weeks from today, that will not even be possible.

 

2) Based on number 1, we are technically required to reschedule the interview since we will not be able to venture into the public. I accept that as I’m sure that will be a non starter when trying to enter the building.

 

3) So, time to reschedule. This is where it gets a little hairy. My wife’s EAD/AP expires 11/19. We submitted a request for renewal which was received on 8/17. We figured we should have submitted it sooner, but were hopeful that a successful interview would mean a GC in hand before then. Normally, we would say okay, that’s unfortunate but you can’t get a job or travel internationally (she doesn’t work now). BUT, what if she gets a job before November 19th when her EAD expires? She would lose that job, correct? An employer can’t keep an employee who is unauthorized to work. This point is pretty important though: if she is granted renewal before then, none of this entire situation matters. But of course, we can’t count on that.

 

4) What should we expect with a reschedule? I know we’re in chaotic times of uncertainty, but is there any indication as to how far in the future rescheduled interviews take place? Are we lumped back in with new applicants?

 

So, we’re a little upset that the interview has stipulations (remaining local for 14 days) that the applicant could not fulfill under any circumstance. Does anyone have any tips on what we should in this situation? What kind of dates can be expected for a rescheduled interview?

 

Thank you!

Edited August 26, 2020 by visaquestion1234

[Lucky2Lucky 2,526]

I see you are in CT- as am I- they just removed a few states on Tuesday so check to see if where you are still requires quarantine. If it’s still on the list then I think you will have to unfortunately reschedule - I don’t think anyone can tell you how long the new wait will be though. I would assume months because of cutbacks and increased backlog of cases. If she gets a job before Nov 19 she will NOT have to re-present her documents (unless it’s a gov job) so personally I wouldn’t worry about that. Her information is validated ta time of hiring- not throughout her employment. It’s good you submitted the renewal for the EAD/AP so at least you got the ball rolling on that. It does suck regarding the timing: my husbands in quarantine due to travels and I was concerned he may get his interview letter during this time frame as well but it luckily isn’t happening.

Also every Tuesday the governor announces changes to the quarantine list based on how states are doing so it’s also possible this upcoming Tuesday you may be okay.

[geowrian 22,338]

3) When you properly filed the renewal request, the existing EAD is extended by 180 days.

https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/information-for-employers-and-employees/automatic-employment-authorization-document-ead-extension

 

4) Could be weeks, could be months. I would expect months and go from there.

[SalishSea 18,072]

OP, the NOA receipt from the EAD extension request serves as evidence of continuing work auth for employers.

[visaquestion1234 34]

Extremely helpful answers from all of you, thank you. We have yet to receive an NOA for the EAD/AP renewal. Hopefully we will receive that soon.

[Ayrton 965]

47 minutes ago, visaquestion1234 said:

Hi All,

 

So my wife’s AOS interview was scheduled for April 15th, 2020. Like countless others, this was cancelled due to COVID. We waited and waited and accepted that it wasn’t going to be soon. Finally, last Thursday (8/20) we saw that our status was changed to Interview was Scheduled. Awesome! Today we got the NOA and the date: September 9th.
 

Here lies many issues with that date:

 

1) We are currently halfway across the country. My home state requires a 14 day quarantine for returning residents. We were planning on leaving as early as this weekend in order to fulfill that requirement. Since the date is literally two weeks from today, that will not even be possible.

 

2) Based on number 1, we are technically required to reschedule the interview since we will not be able to venture into the public. I accept that as I’m sure that will be a non starter when trying to enter the building.

 

3) So, time to reschedule. This is where it gets a little hairy. My wife’s EAD/AP expires 11/19. We submitted a request for renewal which was received on 8/17. We figured we should have submitted it sooner, but were hopeful that a successful interview would mean a GC in hand before then. Normally, we would say okay, that’s unfortunate but you can’t get a job or travel internationally (she doesn’t work now). BUT, what if she gets a job before November 19th when her EAD expires? She would lose that job, correct? An employer can’t keep an employee who is unauthorized to work. This point is pretty important though: if she is granted renewal before then, none of this entire situation matters. But of course, we can’t count on that.

 

4) What should we expect with a reschedule? I know we’re in chaotic times of uncertainty, but is there any indication as to how far in the future rescheduled interviews take place? Are we lumped back in with new applicants?

 

So, we’re a little upset that the interview has stipulations (remaining local for 14 days) that the applicant could not fulfill under any circumstance. Does anyone have any tips on what we should in this situation? What kind of dates can be expected for a rescheduled interview?

 

Thank you!

From the USCIS website:

 

You may not enter a USCIS facility if you:

• Have any symptoms of COVID-19, including cough, fever or difficulty breathing;
• Have been in close contact with anyone known or suspected to have COVID-19 in the last 14 days; or
• Have been individually directed to self-quarantine or self-isolate by a health care provider or public health official within the last 14 days.

 

The state self quarantine is not listed on the USCIS website, so technically you can still go to the interview. What you can do is just get tested a couple days before the interview. I'm sure a negative test is better than a 14 day quarantine.

Edited August 26, 2020 by Ayrton

[SusnOwen 160]

17 hours ago, Ayrton said:

From the USCIS website:

 

You may not enter a USCIS facility if you:

• Have any symptoms of COVID-19, including cough, fever or difficulty breathing;
• Have been in close contact with anyone known or suspected to have COVID-19 in the last 14 days; or
• Have been individually directed to self-quarantine or self-isolate by a health care provider or public health official within the last 14 days.

 

The state self quarantine is not listed on the USCIS website, so technically you can still go to the interview. What you can do is just get tested a couple days before the interview. I'm sure a negative test is better than a 14 day quarantine.

You could follow the USCIS instructions - Or you could follow those of the state where you live.  CT is fining people who breach the 14 day quarantine rule - it doesn't matter what the USCIS site says if you get stopped and fined while driving to the interview.  

[visaquestion1234 34]

On 8/26/2020 at 4:00 PM, Luckycuds said:

I see you are in CT- as am I- they just removed a few states on Tuesday so check to see if where you are still requires quarantine. If it’s still on the list then I think you will have to unfortunately reschedule - I don’t think anyone can tell you how long the new wait will be though. I would assume months because of cutbacks and increased backlog of cases. If she gets a job before Nov 19 she will NOT have to re-present her documents (unless it’s a gov job) so personally I wouldn’t worry about that. Her information is validated ta time of hiring- not throughout her employment. It’s good you submitted the renewal for the EAD/AP so at least you got the ball rolling on that. It does suck regarding the timing: my husbands in quarantine due to travels and I was concerned he may get his interview letter during this time frame as well but it luckily isn’t happening.

Also every Tuesday the governor announces changes to the quarantine list based on how states are doing so it’s also possible this upcoming Tuesday you may be okay.

I shockingly received a rescheduled date of 9/29. I was not expecting it to be so soon. Another phone call and letter to the field office in CT...I can’t attend this one either. We don’t expect to be back in CT until a month or so, so I actually requested that a date be rescheduled for November - we’ll how that goes. We aren’t in a huge rush so we’re okay with the date being farther out, but we also know that letting time pass is never a good thing so it’s a little uncomfortable to do this for a second time. Perhaps I’m being to paranoid about the law, but I feel that it would be a non starter if we are asked about our whereabouts for the prior two weeks. I’ve just been playing it super safe for the past two years and I’m not willing to risk anything at this point.

 

(I’m replying here because I know you’re pretty much an expert around here and thought this might be of interest to you)

[Lucky2Lucky 2,526]

25 minutes ago, visaquestion1234 said:

I shockingly received a rescheduled date of 9/29. I was not expecting it to be so soon. Another phone call and letter to the field office in CT...I can’t attend this one either. We don’t expect to be back in CT until a month or so, so I actually requested that a date be rescheduled for November - we’ll how that goes. We aren’t in a huge rush so we’re okay with the date being farther out, but we also know that letting time pass is never a good thing so it’s a little uncomfortable to do this for a second time. Perhaps I’m being to paranoid about the law, but I feel that it would be a non starter if we are asked about our whereabouts for the prior two weeks. I’ve just been playing it super safe for the past two years and I’m not willing to risk anything at this point.

 

(I’m replying here because I know you’re pretty much an expert around here and thought this might be of interest to you)

That was surprisingly fast! Hopefully they honor your request.. one positive is that CT has now waived the 14 day quarantine if you have a negative COVID test.

[visaquestion1234 34]

On 9/16/2020 at 4:21 PM, Luckycuds said:

That was surprisingly fast! Hopefully they honor your request.. one positive is that CT has now waived the 14 day quarantine if you have a negative COVID test.

Quick update - Rescheduled to November 2nd which will finally work! Not sure if my letter had anything to do it, but I’m inclined to think it did.