How to reach a live representative USCIS

[Gomast 65]

It seems like the USCIS telephone system changed. I used to be able to reach a live rep by asking for technical assistance. It doesn’t work anymore. Does anyone know how to reach a live agent? I called (800) 375-5283

[ashley_ann 179]

yeah this system got wise to that, happened with me 

try "lost receipt" that's what got me through

[K1visaHopeful 2,865]

They changed it due to the redundancy of calling the customer service line when agents became unable to offer any specific information on your case that is not already available online or through the processing times website.

They created Ask Emma instead where you can speak to a live rep by asking for one.

What's your reason for needing to speak to someone?

Perhaps we can direct you to the correct method of contact.

[Skyman 327]

Easier to chat, especially when I'm getting info on my wife's I-485. I doubt they'd think I was her over the phone. 

I love how they always end with, "do you want me to show you how to set up an online account to get info?"  If the info was in the online account I wouldn't be chatting with you.

[Gomast 65]

45 minutes ago, K1visaHopeful said:

They changed it due to the redundancy of calling the customer service line when agents became unable to offer any specific information on your case that is not already available online or through the processing times website.

They created Ask Emma instead where you can speak to a live rep by asking for one.

What's your reason for needing to speak to someone?

Perhaps we can direct you to the correct method of contact.

I've been waiting for an interview for 2 years but I'm not outside normal processing times. I would like to speak with a tier 2 agent and file an ombudsman complaint before I file a writ of mandamus.

[powerpuff 6,745]

6 minutes ago, Gomast said:

I've been waiting for an interview for 2 years but I'm not outside normal processing times. I would like to speak with a tier 2 agent and file an ombudsman complaint before I file a writ of mandamus.

I remember you said you waited 18 months for EAD. Yikes 😟
 

Sorry to hear that you’re still waiting for an interview. What’s your field office? 

[Gomast 65]

Just now, powerpuff said:

I remember you said you waited 18 months for EAD. Yikes 😟
 

Sorry to hear that you’re still waiting for an interview. What’s your field office? 

It’s the National Benefits Center. It’s weird, because in the USCIS processing times of the I-485 you cannot select NBC. 
 

“lost receipt” works!

I haven’t tried Emma yet. 
Thank you!

[powerpuff 6,745]

5 minutes ago, Gomast said:

It’s the National Benefits Center. It’s weird, because in the USCIS processing times of the I-485 you cannot select NBC. 

I-485 is processed by your local field office, not NBC. Each office has very different processing times. For example Seattle field office takes about 2 years. Some take only 6 months. So it varies widely

Edited August 26, 2021 by powerpuff

[Gomast 65]

14 minutes ago, powerpuff said:

I-485 is processed by your local field office, not NBC. Each office has very different processing times. For example Seattle field office takes about 2 years. Some take only 6 months. So it varies widely

I see. So even though the notice of the I-485 says NBC, the office that processes the application would be Miami. Processing times of 30.5 months. Only 8 months more   

[K1visaHopeful 2,865]

1 hour ago, Gomast said:

I see. So even though the notice of the I-485 says NBC, the office that processes the application would be Miami. Processing times of 30.5 months. Only 8 months more   

Glad you could use the online resources to track down your actual processing times for your LFO and see you are unfortunately not yet outside of normal processing times.

 

Outside of normal processing times service requests are processed online as well.

 

I guess you can see why the phone line availability has been changed as everything is available online.

[Scandi 4,174]

2 hours ago, Gomast said:

I see. So even though the notice of the I-485 says NBC, the office that processes the application would be Miami. Processing times of 30.5 months. Only 8 months more   

NBC prepares cases for interviews, they perform the "pre-processing" (like background and security checks for instance). That's generally a quick thing, once done your case just sits there and collects dust until your local field office is ready to take over. So yes, NBC processing times don't matter and that's also why you can't find any, it's your field office you need to look at.

[Gomast 65]

Ok thank you @Scandi. I spoke with tier 1, and they said that my case is in “Good standing”, whatever that means… they said that the Miami field office is really behind, and they are currently processing Feb 2019 cases. 
 

I have two options:

- Wait another 8 months with the hopes that I will get an interview, or

- File writ of mandamus either with an attorney or DIY. I spoke with an attorney yesterday, and she recommends filing WOM after at least one year has passed from the date of I-485 filing. I am thinking about doing the DIY option at this point. I’ll update. 
 

[K1visaHopeful 2,865]

31 minutes ago, Gomast said:

Ok thank you @Scandi. I spoke with tier 1, and they said that my case is in “Good standing”, whatever that means… they said that the Miami field office is really behind, and they are currently processing Feb 2019 cases. 
 

I have two options:

- Wait another 8 months with the hopes that I will get an interview, or

- File writ of mandamus either with an attorney or DIY. I spoke with an attorney yesterday, and she recommends filing WOM after at least one year has passed from the date of I-485 filing. I am thinking about doing the DIY option at this point. I’ll update. 
 

Be careful.

Filing a WOM only forces them to make a decision.

A straight up denial (for being impatient and not waiting the time period that your LFO lists as it's current estimate) is still a decision.

It does not force them to give you an interview.

[mari04 100]

Call general uscis number. Press 1 for English and then 2, 2, 2.

[Ontarkie 14,332]

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