Biometrics appointments - multiple letters/Code 2 and Code 3

[Rearviewmirror 397]

Hi all,

 

I'm posting this in the hopes it'll save anybody else from going through the same hassle I have... I filed for AOS (I-485) along with EAD and AP (I-765 and I-131) in mid-May 2020. I received my biometrics appointments at the end of July for August 5. 

 

Strangely, I got two letters with the same appointment date/time - one was for I-485 only (Code 3 biometrics - picture, signature, all ten fingerprints) and another for I-485 and I-765 (Code 2 - picture, signature, and index fingerprint). 

 

Despite showing both letters to the receptionist on arrival at the ASC, she said I only needed to do the appointment notice for Code 2 as it also referenced the I-485. This is incorrect. The mistake I made was in not showing both notices to the biometrics technician anyway, which I think would have saved time/problems.

 

I had called both Tier 1 and Tier 2, and they said they could see that biometrics were applied to all of my applications and so to just wait. However, having done a lot of reading, and asking about other people's cases, it seems as if Code 3 biometrics are mandatory for I-485 and my case would have stayed in limbo until someone working my case realized that the Code 3 biometrics weren't captured, or conceivably my case could have been denied for failure to appear.

 

Today, I drove out to the ASC and luckily got an extremely kind and understanding officer at the door who let me in despite my appointment being for ~3 weeks ago. The biometrics technician then processed the Code 3 notice (ten fingerprints, photo, signature) and I was on my way. I'll be interested to see if this now leads to a case update online, as before everything was still showing as Fingerprint Fee Received, and Case Received.

 

All of that to say, unfortunately you can't trust that people working in the ASCs all have the same level of knowledge or will take their job seriously. At worst I've lost a few weeks of time, but I'm hoping this post might help some others avoid the sort of limbo state that some of the February 2020 filers are experiencing by not insisting on showing all your notices to the biometrics technician.

 

Good luck to everyone else!

[catfrienddog 1]

Hi Rearviewmirror, thank you for the note! Do you mind telling me which categories you are applying for your I-485? I submitted my AOS application in March on category c(9) and it's also at National Benefits Center. However, I haven't got my biometric appointments and it's been almost 6 months. 

[Rearviewmirror 397]

6 minutes ago, tnguyen1 said:

Hi Rearviewmirror, thank you for the note! Do you mind telling me which categories you are applying for your I-485? I submitted my AOS application in March on category c(9) and it's also at National Benefits Center. However, I haven't got my biometric appointments and it's been almost 6 months. 

USC spouse - c(9) also.

[brainless69 251]

Hey,

 

I just received a second letter for biometrics having done my first one over 3 weeks ago which was the CODE 3. Questions is do i need to go again and do this new CODE two? 

[Rearviewmirror 397]

6 minutes ago, brainless69 said:

Hey,

 

I just received a second letter for biometrics having done my first one over 3 weeks ago which was the CODE 3. Questions is do i need to go again and do this new CODE two? 

My honest answer is "I don't know"! I would say it's probably safest to go... What forms are referenced on the new notice? Just I-485 or I-765 or I-131?

[brainless69 251]

1 minute ago, Rearviewmirror said:

My honest answer is "I don't know"! I would say it's probably safest to go... What forms are referenced on the new notice? Just I-485 or I-765 or I-131?

original is i485 i765 code 3

this new one is i765 and i131 code 2

 

status of i485 is ready to be scheduled for an interview and i765 shows fingerprints were taken

🤷🏿‍♂️

[Rearviewmirror 397]

34 minutes ago, brainless69 said:

original is i485 i765 code 3

this new one is i765 and i131 code 2

 

status of i485 is ready to be scheduled for an interview and i765 shows fingerprints were taken

🤷🏿‍♂️

Hate to say it, but given it's for the I-131 you probably need to go.

[brainless69 251]

2 minutes ago, Rearviewmirror said:

Hate to say it, but given it's for the I-131 you probably need to go.

will call the USCIS tomorrow and speak with an agent, hoping that something will be approved before the appointment and i dont need to go again. 

 

[Rearviewmirror 397]

Aaaand just got an email saying  "Your Case Status: Initial Review" and my I-485 is showing "Case Was Updated To Show Fingerprints Were Taken". So this was DEFINITELY what was holding my application from being processed.

[brainless69 251]

went online yesterday and spoke to the online help. was originally 11th in the queue then it went to 12th! but in 5 minutes i was chatting to a live agent. they said to call the USCIS and speak to a tier 2 agent. Called this morning got through to an agent in 5 minutes, i was shocked. Not the most helpful agent who just answered with I can see that the fingerprints were taken but if you received a second letter you should go to the appointment.......

the saga continues. guess i have nothing else to do currently 🤷🏿‍♂️

[SeanDowney0309 47]

Hi all, 

 

My biometrics appointment is Tuesday (Sept 1st). I filed all three forms, I-485, I-765 & I-131 concurrently, my appointment letter is a Code 2 and  under case type only says I-485 & I-765. I actually missed my first biometrics appointment, its a long story but I spoke with a Tier 2 and he rescheduled over the phone and sent my new appointment letter by email. By the time I noticed this issue I had to call again. When I spoke to another Tier 2, he told me not to worry & that everything is correct, this appointment will still apply to my I-131 case. After reading this thread I feel a little concerned. Can I simply ask for a Code 3 Biometrics to be taken when I get there? Or do I wait for another appointment? 

 

Thanks for your advice

[Rearviewmirror 397]

3 minutes ago, SeanDowney0309 said:

Hi all, 

 

My biometrics appointment is Tuesday (Sept 1st). I filed all three forms, I-485, I-765 & I-131 concurrently, my appointment letter is a Code 2 and  under case type only says I-485 & I-765. I actually missed my first biometrics appointment, its a long story but I spoke with a Tier 2 and he rescheduled over the phone and sent my new appointment letter by email. By the time I noticed this issue I had to call again. When I spoke to another Tier 2, he told me not to worry & that everything is correct, this appointment will still apply to my I-131 case. After reading this thread I feel a little concerned. Can I simply ask for a Code 3 Biometrics to be taken when I get there? Or do I wait for another appointment? 

 

Thanks for your advice

Hi Sean,

 

Yup that's the approach I would take - tell the biometrics technician that this is your first (and only) biometrics appointment and that you've filed I-485 so you think the appointment should be Code 3, not Code 2 and can they take all ten fingerprints.

 

If you get somebody sensible that shouldn't be a problem. Good luck!

[SeanDowney0309 47]

9 minutes ago, Rearviewmirror said:

Hi Sean,

 

Yup that's the approach I would take - tell the biometrics technician that this is your first (and only) biometrics appointment and that you've filed I-485 so you think the appointment should be Code 3, not Code 2 and can they take all ten fingerprints.

 

If you get somebody sensible that shouldn't be a problem. Good luck!

Ok, thank you for your help. I will do that. Lets say worst case scenario they won't do that, what would I do next. Call USCIS to try book another biometrics appointment under code 3?

 

[Rearviewmirror 397]

1 hour ago, SeanDowney0309 said:

Ok, thank you for your help. I will do that. Lets say worst case scenario they won't do that, what would I do next. Call USCIS to try book another biometrics appointment under code 3?

 

Yes - although they may just tell you to wait for another appointment letter for Code 3 if it's required. I think it's pretty likely they'll just take Code 3 biometrics if you ask them while you're there.

[SeanDowney0309 47]

Hi, 

 

I had my biometrics appointment yesterday. Even though letter said Code 2, when I got there & checked in, there must have been a note on my file as they said they would be doing Code 3 biometrics. My case status for the I-485 & I-765 has changed to "My Case Was Updated To Show Fingerprints Were Taken". For my I-131 application it still says My Case Was Received. 

Does that sound normal? How long could it be until I receive my Combo card & get a letter for my interview? 

 

Thanks