The FY2014 RFE Thread

[Kanmani]

Viki123,

My option in your situation is to leave as it is and wait for the outcome. I don't think that is a big deal error.

[Kanmani]

Hi All,

I have Feb09 PD @ TSC and we moved when I was submitting the RFE response. I filled in the new address in the RFE response and my status on USCIS website reads as below. My question is - do I still file AR11? since I am current in SEPT, i am hesitant to do any updates on my case and also the fact that the uscis case update mentions my address was already updated based on my RFER (July 22). Thanks for your help

"On July 22, 2014, your address was changed relating to the I485, APPLICATION TO REGISTER PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR TO ADJUST STATUS that you filed. Please check our website at www.uscis.gov for further updates on your case. Please wait until the end of normal processing time before calling customer service at 1-800-375-5283 for live assistance. "

667

Do you have the above lines printed in the RFE document?(page 3)

If Yes, proceed with the filing of AR-11.

[Spectator]

Hi All,

I have Feb09 PD @ TSC and we moved when I was submitting the RFE response. I filled in the new address in the RFE response and my status on USCIS website reads as below. My question is - do I still file AR11? since I am current in SEPT, i am hesitant to do any updates on my case and also the fact that the uscis case update mentions my address was already updated based on my RFER (July 22). Thanks for your help

"On July 22, 2014, your address was changed relating to the I485, APPLICATION TO REGISTER PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR TO ADJUST STATUS that you filed. Please check our website at www.uscis.gov for further updates on your case. Please wait until the end of normal processing time before calling customer service at 1-800-375-5283 for live assistance. "The AR-11 is independent of letting USCIS know of a change of address for your immigration applications.

The law requires you submit a new AR-11 within 10 days of when you change address until you become a citizen (you are considered an Alien until then).

http://www.uscis.gov/addresschange

If you are worried about sending a second address change for your applications, you could just mail the completed AR-11 form (http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/ar-11.pdf).

Alternatively, the online version (https://egov.uscis.gov/coa/displayCOAForm.do) allows you send the the AR-11 electronically and optionally update the address for your applications as well (if you wish to).

[hulimari]

Thanks for pointing it out Kanmani, I should have seen this myself in the rfe .


667

Do you have the above lines printed in the RFE document?(page 3)

If Yes, proceed with the filing of AR-11.

[hulimari]

Thanks for the clarification Spec, I am planning to do it online.


The AR-11 is independent of letting USCIS know of a change of address for your immigration applications.

The law requires you submit a new AR-11 within 10 days of when you change address until you become a citizen (you are considered an Alien until then).

http://www.uscis.gov/addresschange

If you are worried about sending a second address change for your applications, you could just mail the completed AR-11 form (http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/form/ar-11.pdf).

Alternatively, the online version (https://egov.uscis.gov/coa/displayCOAForm.do) allows you send the the AR-11 electronically and optionally update the address for your applications as well (if you wish to).

[helpful_leo]

Guys,

I have prepared all documents for my RFE response. However this one small thing is still making me nervous.

For whatever reason, our company does not have any "official company letterhead". The HR prepared my EVL exactly as per the instructions in the RFE but they printed it on just a plain paper. However, it has been signed in the original by the HR head.

Unfortunately, I don't have a choice here because we don't have an official company letterhead.

a) Is this going to be a problem?
b) Should I send a supporting letter signed by the facilities department saying we don't have an official letterhead? Good idea? Bad idea? Overkill?
c) Should I send my paystub (also shows cumulative Y2D earnings) in case? Good idea? Bad idea? Overkill?

I appreciate everyone who has helped me in this RFE phase until now. Thanks,

It seems an unusual situation. My non-expert opinion - #1 & 2/ check if the EVL RFE asks specifically for the letter to be on a letterhead (I do not recall now) - if yes, then a second 'explanation' letter from HR may be in order. If not, I would not send it.

#3/ If this were my case, I'd do a bit of an overkill here and send the paystubs, W2, the whole shebang. You don't want them to be concerned in anyway that there are issues with the employment here. As it is, many people send those anyway. In your case, it could be potentially helpful.

[Kanmani]

Sportsfan,

Option (b) is a bad idea.

Do they have any rubber stamp of any kind or what, else just simple printout on a plain paper?

In that case, if you have no choice other than sending what is given as EVL to you, ask them to note down the company's labor department registration ID/other registration numbers related to govt departments on the EVL.

Option (c) doesn't hurt your AoS. Go with it.

[bieber]

Guys,

I have prepared all documents for my RFE response. However this one small thing is still making me nervous.

For whatever reason, our company does not have any "official company letterhead". The HR prepared my EVL exactly as per the instructions in the RFE but they printed it on just a plain paper. However, it has been signed in the original by the HR head.

Unfortunately, I don't have a choice here because we don't have an official company letterhead.

a) Is this going to be a problem?
b) Should I send a supporting letter signed by the facilities department saying we don't have an official letterhead? Good idea? Bad idea? Overkill?
c) Should I send my paystub (also shows cumulative Y2D earnings) in case? Good idea? Bad idea? Overkill?

I appreciate everyone who has helped me in this RFE phase until now. Thanks,

Does your company have a logo?
you can paste it on top portion of the letter, worst case you are still fine with having a heading of company name and also along with title of the person who is going to sign

It needs to be original letter, not necessarily letter head. you can't send copy that's all

[zee112008eb2I]

Q and others, I'm new to this thread. But have been in trackitt for a while.

PD: Nov 2008;
RD: Mar 2012 (thanks to employer/lawyer delay tactics)
FP: April 30 2012
RFE: June 23, 2014
RFE Reply Received by TSC: 14-Jul-2014
Status: RFE (stays RFE even 4 weeks after response)
Officer ID on RFE: XM0136

I was patiently waiting since my PD is late 2008 and seeing earlier PDs still not getting any response.
But, this month, I see a lot of late 2008 and even Jan 2009 PDs being approved by NSC.
So I called USCIS Customer Service to check why my status has not changed to RFE Response Review.
But the representative couldn't give an answer to whether the response has been tied to my file.
But he voluntarily created an SR (on August 4). No update so far. I was not calling to create the SR as that will give them additional time to
delay the action and just send a standard response.

Looking at the trackitt forums and spreadsheet, this officer seems one of the slowest. Hardly any approval from him.
Is it the same officer who does the adjudication? Should I go ahead with Congressman inquiry to trigger some activity?

[Kanmani]

Sportsfan,

My honest answer is, I do not know if the Federal employer registration number (FEIN) on the W-2 is same as the Labor department registration number.

Why suggested this because, my husband's office had a visit from USCIS during recession, they took the Labor dept ID from the HR and rest of the info from the H-1 employees. I thought the labor ID is important to USCIS guys and might help you in that case if you think your EVL is standing alone from the rest of the EVLs'.

I haven't come across this kind of situation, so I have no better suggestion.

[qesehmk]

Q and others, I'm new to this thread. But have been in trackitt for a while.

PD: Nov 2008;
RD: Mar 2012 (thanks to employer/lawyer delay tactics)
FP: April 30 2012
RFE: June 23, 2014
RFE Reply Received by TSC: 14-Jul-2014
Status: RFE (stays RFE even 4 weeks after response)
Officer ID on RFE: XM0136

I was patiently waiting since my PD is late 2008 and seeing earlier PDs still not getting any response.
But, this month, I see a lot of late 2008 and even Jan 2009 PDs being approved by NSC.
So I called USCIS Customer Service to check why my status has not changed to RFE Response Review.
But the representative couldn't give an answer to whether the response has been tied to my file.
But he voluntarily created an SR (on August 4). No update so far. I was not calling to create the SR as that will give them additional time to
delay the action and just send a standard response.

Looking at the trackitt forums and spreadsheet, this officer seems one of the slowest. Hardly any approval from him.
Is it the same officer who does the adjudication? Should I go ahead with Congressman inquiry to trigger some activity?

zee - perhaps wait till end of this month. I think you are still within the processing timeframe. USCIS is notorious for not quite following FIFO. You will have entire Sep as well as Oct to go to senator and what not.

Welcome to forum by the way!

[iatiam]

Thanks kanmani.

It's indeed quite a unique situation, but I think I will send it the way I have right now. The USCIS guys need to figure it out on their own.

EVL + 2013 W2s (there are 2 - one from the petitioning employer and one from current employer) + current paystub that also has 2014 YTD earnings should be more than enough.

Off my response goes in the next couple of hours and I join another line for anxiety ridden people looking for that one final email.

Sports,

It happens all the time and rest assured, USCIS is well aware of the letterhead issues. A friend of mine had a similar issue. We worked for the same company and they won't give any thing on a letter head (a Fortune 10 company). He managed to get reference letters from his colleagues on plain paper as a reply to the RFE. He was greened a few weeks ago.

Iatiam

[GreenDream]

Hi

I am a newbie here. I have been following this great forum for a long time and it is quite the best.

I wanted to ask for your help here. My PD is Dec 2008, filed in 2012. Then I have responded to the RFE which was received by TSC on June 20th, 2014. Next week will be 60 days to that and I have not yet heard anything from the CIS about the decision. I tried to talk to L2 but L1 did not transfer my call and firmly told me to wait till August 20 and not disturn the delicate geniuses at work in TSC.

I also spoke to my lawyer but they do nothing but hide behind these timelines while I am here on pins and needles. Anyways, I wanted to find out how to get connected to L2 officer for more details on the case. When I spoke to L1, I was at a loss and just said I want to know the latest update on the case. L1 just read the status online.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[GreenDream]

If you have sent your RFE reply, relax. Your approval will come by next week. Yes Sportsfan, the RFE response was sent and status turned to RFERR on June 20th. I hope you are right.

I also wish you the best too. I see you are sending your RFE response today. It is very shocking to see that they took so long to just send the RFE in your case. Thankfully there should be enough time for approval.

[JJcalifornian]

Q and others, I'm new to this thread. But have been in trackitt for a while.

PD: Nov 2008;
RD: Mar 2012 (thanks to employer/lawyer delay tactics)
FP: April 30 2012
RFE: June 23, 2014
RFE Reply Received by TSC: 14-Jul-2014
Status: RFE (stays RFE even 4 weeks after response)
Officer ID on RFE: XM0136

I was patiently waiting since my PD is late 2008 and seeing earlier PDs still not getting any response.
But, this month, I see a lot of late 2008 and even Jan 2009 PDs being approved by NSC.
So I called USCIS Customer Service to check why my status has not changed to RFE Response Review.
But the representative couldn't give an answer to whether the response has been tied to my file.
But he voluntarily created an SR (on August 4). No update so far. I was not calling to create the SR as that will give them additional time to
delay the action and just send a standard response.

Looking at the trackitt forums and spreadsheet, this officer seems one of the slowest. Hardly any approval from him.
Is it the same officer who does the adjudication? Should I go ahead with Congressman inquiry to trigger some activity?

zee112008eb2I,

Mine is also similar to you, PD Jan 2009, RD FEB 2012, RFE response delivered on 14th July 2014, it's with XM280@TSC status is still at RFE.

[ramaka02]

If nothing changes between now and on 60th day, call USCIS on 61st day and demand to be connected to L2. They have to and will. I hope you get yours soon.


Hi

I am a newbie here. I have been following this great forum for a long time and it is quite the best.

I wanted to ask for your help here. My PD is Dec 2008, filed in 2012. Then I have responded to the RFE which was received by TSC on June 20th, 2014. Next week will be 60 days to that and I have not yet heard anything from the CIS about the decision. I tried to talk to L2 but L1 did not transfer my call and firmly told me to wait till August 20 and not disturn the delicate geniuses at work in TSC.

I also spoke to my lawyer but they do nothing but hide behind these timelines while I am here on pins and needles. Anyways, I wanted to find out how to get connected to L2 officer for more details on the case. When I spoke to L1, I was at a loss and just said I want to know the latest update on the case. L1 just read the status online.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[ramaka02]

Zee, if you remember from Trackitt XM154 also had one approval per day till last couple of days. Hang on and you should get yours soon :)!


Q and others, I'm new to this thread. But have been in trackitt for a while.

PD: Nov 2008;
RD: Mar 2012 (thanks to employer/lawyer delay tactics)
FP: April 30 2012
RFE: June 23, 2014
RFE Reply Received by TSC: 14-Jul-2014
Status: RFE (stays RFE even 4 weeks after response)
Officer ID on RFE: XM0136

I was patiently waiting since my PD is late 2008 and seeing earlier PDs still not getting any response.
But, this month, I see a lot of late 2008 and even Jan 2009 PDs being approved by NSC.
So I called USCIS Customer Service to check why my status has not changed to RFE Response Review.
But the representative couldn't give an answer to whether the response has been tied to my file.
But he voluntarily created an SR (on August 4). No update so far. I was not calling to create the SR as that will give them additional time to
delay the action and just send a standard response.

Looking at the trackitt forums and spreadsheet, this officer seems one of the slowest. Hardly any approval from him.
Is it the same officer who does the adjudication? Should I go ahead with Congressman inquiry to trigger some activity?

[bieber]

Thanks for the suggestion guys.

The company has a simply logo and the letter has that. But it's on a plain paper.

The parent company is well known (like "Microsoft" well known...not Microsoft of course). Out pf privacy concerns, I don't want to disclose the name. We are a subsidiary and we don't carry any letterhead!

What determines if the letter is original? Is the actual signature by the HR head enough to make this determination?

I will definitely send my W2 along with my current paystub. Will that be enough? Question for kanmani: The W2 has an employer identification number. Do I need to give them another number accepted by the department of labor?

Mine was same, The letter was printed on regular quality printer paper. Just the logo on top.

[bieber]

Thanks for the info. I have the EVL on a plain paper with the company logo and HR's signature, it just isn't on some kind of letterhead. I was told this was unnecessary in the 21st century but then again, don't tell that to the USCIS.

Just to clarify: if you have the EVL, then any kind of reference letters are unnecessary, is that right?

If you have company name, and the person name who is signing with contact information, they have enough information if in case they think it's not original.

[iatiam]

Thanks for the info. I have the EVL on a plain paper with the company logo and HR's signature, it just isn't on some kind of letterhead. I was told this was unnecessary in the 21st century but then again, don't tell that to the USCIS.

Just to clarify: if you have the EVL, then any kind of reference letters are unnecessary, is that right?

Short Answer: I don't think reference letter is required.

Long Answer: To the best of my knowledge, reference letters were also provided along with EVL. Its was not a requirement, but the attorney did it to bolster the case. The company we worked for, as you might have imagined is pretty big in size. So we have to get a generic EVL saying that so and so person worked for so and so dates. So to make sure the job responsibilites are included, the attorney included references.

Your case might be different. You can fit all those in one single EVL and that will do the job. Less work for USCIS as well.

Hope that helps

Iatiam

[Seeking_GC_Since_Jun_2008]

Hello All,

My PD is 30th June 2008 (TSC) and the status says RFE RR since June 30th 2014.

Should I wait for 60 days to complete or is it advised to open a SR now itself? Is it normal for June 2008 cases to be still pending when I see July/August 2008 cases are getting approved?

Apologies if this is not the correct forum to post this question.

Cheers,
Seeking_GC_Since_Jun_2008

[venkat]

This is a true experience of my friend. His RFE response was sent 2 weeks ago and his online status never changed to RFERR, he became anxious and decided to followup with the attorney. To his dismay he found out that his attorney sent the RFE response to a Dallas Address instead of PO BOX address (Mesquite, TX) as mentioned in the RFE letter. What a shame!!!

His attorney told him that they used Dallas address because that is the address used for Fed-ex deliveries to the TSC. He said the one on the RFE (Mesquite, TX) is for regular mail delivery.

Now my friend is not sure what to do, whether to resend everything (EVL+Medicals) to the PO Box address or hope somehow the RFE response reaches his pending 485 file.

[helpful_leo]

If you have sent your RFE reply, relax. Your approval will come by next week.

I have wondered how effective the "within 60 days of RFER" limit is with USCIS to approve I-485s.

Have there been people post-60 days of RFER and not getting their GC? If so, what percentage of total are they?

[vik123]

Thanks Kanmani.

I am little confuse because Fragomen suggests filing the correct 693 form in the sealed envelope as well, with a cover letter that explains and copies of the RFE again. Just in case, Fragomen is not lawyer for this case.

Any suggestion Quesehmk/Soectator/Other Guru

Thanks,
Vikas

[krookbond]

Both addresses are correct. My attorney sends to Dallas address via FedEx always.

[dorais]

JJcalifornian & zee112008eb2I,

My case is also handled by the same officer. Even I had sent the response on July 11th and it was received by USCIS on July 14th. My lawyer had sent to the Dallas address using FedEx. I had updated the address on 07/25 and it got reflected in the USCIS case status site. Did you guys send it to the Dallas address as well?



zee112008eb2I,

Mine is also similar to you, PD Jan 2009, RD FEB 2012, RFE response delivered on 14th July 2014, it's with XM280@TSC status is still at RFE.

[dorais]

My RFE response was sent to the Dallas address as well using FedEx. The processing center is TSC and I have not had my status change from RFE to RFERR. The law firm I used is one of the leading law firms and I have high hopes that they did it right.


This is a true experience of my friend. His RFE response was sent 2 weeks ago and his online status never changed to RFERR, he became anxious and decided to followup with the attorney. To his dismay he found out that his attorney sent the RFE response to a Dallas Address instead of PO BOX address (Mesquite, TX) as mentioned in the RFE letter. What a shame!!!

His attorney told him that they used Dallas address because that is the address used for Fed-ex deliveries to the TSC. He said the one on the RFE (Mesquite, TX) is for regular mail delivery.

Now my friend is not sure what to do, whether to resend everything (EVL+Medicals) to the PO Box address or hope somehow the RFE response reaches his pending 485 file.

[JJcalifornian]

JJcalifornian & zee112008eb2I,

My case is also handled by the same officer. Even I had sent the response on July 11th and it was received by USCIS on July 14th. My lawyer had sent to the Dallas address using FedEx. I had updated the address on 07/25 and it got reflected in the USCIS case status site. Did you guys send it to the Dallas address as well?


My attorney sent to Dallas address via FedEx

[dorais]

Thanks. Our 60 day from RFE response would be on Sep 14th. Not sure if we can do anything before that to confirm that USCIS has tied the RFE response to the 485 case.

I am thinking of taking an infopass in the next couple of weeks. I hope taking an infopass would not hurt the case processing even if it cant help.


My attorney sent to Dallas address via FedEx

[qbloguser]

My RFE response was sent by our lawyer on Thurday (7/31) and status changed to RFERR on Tuesday (8/5) - it is still RFERR. It is in TSC.


Thanks. Our 60 day from RFE response would be on Sep 14th. Not sure if we can do anything before that to confirm that USCIS has tied the RFE response to the 485 case.

I am thinking of taking an infopass in the next couple of weeks. I hope taking an infopass would not hurt the case processing even if it cant help.

[vjan09]

Hi All
looks like the online status was not updated to RFE RR for all the FED EX packages delivered on 7/14.

PD:JAN 09
RFE Issue date: 06/20/2014
RFE physical coup:06/24/2014
RFE response received by USCIS :07/14/2014 (no status update to RFE RR since then)
Officer:XM1333

Inquiry by me : spoke to L2 staff and got a confirmation that USCIS received RFE response on 7/14, when i asked about the online status not being updated to RFERR the L2 staff said that its at the officers discretion to update the status (sounded like some officers dont do it)

[la_2002_ch]

Guys,

I have prepared all documents for my RFE response. However this one small thing is still making me nervous.

For whatever reason, our company does not have any "official company letterhead". The HR prepared my EVL exactly as per the instructions in the RFE but they printed it on just a plain paper. However, it has been signed in the original by the HR head.

Unfortunately, I don't have a choice here because we don't have an official company letterhead.

a) Is this going to be a problem?
b) Should I send a supporting letter signed by the facilities department saying we don't have an official letterhead? Good idea? Bad idea? Overkill?
c) Should I send my paystub (also shows cumulative Y2D earnings) in case? Good idea? Bad idea? Overkill?

I appreciate everyone who has helped me in this RFE phase until now. Thanks,

I work for one of the biggest Healthcare Technology company and my EVL was on a simple paper with the logo on the top and a couple of lines (no. of employees, office locations, etc.) about the company at the bottom alongwith the HR contact's designation and phone number. My attorney said this was fine and shouldnt be an issue.

I am hoping for a approval soon (been 3+ weeks since my status changed to RFERR).

[la_2002_ch]

You don't need to say sorry. If your date is Aug152008 EB2I then indeed this is extremely frustrating.

Generally speaking if people prior to Nov 2008 in EB2I are not yet approved then they should make noise and be heard. If there are issues with your case then USCIS needs to tell you what the problem is.

Q, Kanmani, Sportfan, other Gurus,

My PD in Sep 2008 and applied in Jan 2012. We were issued RFE on Jun 5th and then USCIS messed up my RFE details letter 2-3 of times (long story), we finally responded to RFE on Jul 22nd and my status changed to RFERR on Jul 23rd. Its now been 3+ weeks, do you guys suggest I should get in the escalation mode and start talking to USCIS/Congressman/SR or should I wait patiently for some more time? My case is at NSC which is already approving 2009 cases.

[zee112008eb2I]

This is a true experience of my friend. His RFE response was sent 2 weeks ago and his online status never changed to RFERR, he became anxious and decided to followup with the attorney. To his dismay he found out that his attorney sent the RFE response to a Dallas Address instead of PO BOX address (Mesquite, TX) as mentioned in the RFE letter. What a shame!!!

His attorney told him that they used Dallas address because that is the address used for Fed-ex deliveries to the TSC. He said the one on the RFE (Mesquite, TX) is for regular mail delivery.

Now my friend is not sure what to do, whether to resend everything (EVL+Medicals) to the PO Box address or hope somehow the RFE response reaches his pending 485 file. My attorney did the same too. But it seems ok. I was worried about this too and my status also has not changed from RFE yet. I talked to Customer Service and they said it can be sent to both addresses. I'm still worried but they are not of much help.

[zee112008eb2I]

JJcalifornian & zee112008eb2I,

My case is also handled by the same officer. Even I had sent the response on July 11th and it was received by USCIS on July 14th. My lawyer had sent to the Dallas address using FedEx. I had updated the address on 07/25 and it got reflected in the USCIS case status site. Did you guys send it to the Dallas address as well?

Yes. My attorney sent to Dallas address as well using FedEx Standard Overnight. It was delivered on 14-Jul-2014 at 9:05 AM and signed for by B.Thomas.
When my status did not change to RFERR even after 4 weeks, I called L1 and they told me the status is not always updated and that it can change directly to Decision and not necessarily RFERR. My lawyer told me we have signature confirmation so not to worry. L1 voluntarily created an SR for me saying my application is beyond processing time. Again, asked me to wait 30 days for a response to SR. So it doesn't change anything.

[dorais]

zee112008eb2I & JJCalifornian - Thanks for your responses. It gives me some peace of mind.


Yes. My attorney sent to Dallas address as well using FedEx Standard Overnight. It was delivered on 14-Jul-2014 at 9:05 AM and signed for by B.Thomas.
When my status did not change to RFERR even after 4 weeks, I called L1 and they told me the status is not always updated and that it can change directly to Decision and not necessarily RFERR. My lawyer told me we have signature confirmation so not to worry. L1 voluntarily created an SR for me saying my application is beyond processing time. Again, asked me to wait 30 days for a response to SR. So it doesn't change anything.

[zee112008eb2I]

JJcalifornian & zee112008eb2I,

My case is also handled by the same officer. Even I had sent the response on July 11th and it was received by USCIS on July 14th. My lawyer had sent to the Dallas address using FedEx. I had updated the address on 07/25 and it got reflected in the USCIS case status site. Did you guys send it to the Dallas address as well? My officer is XM0136. Same officer for you?

[JJcalifornian]

My officer is XM0136. Same officer for you?

mine is XM280, I think this is one is the slowest at TSC

[Zoroark]

My officer is XM0136. Same officer for you?

Zee, I received the RFE on June 12th and uscis got the reply on Aug 4th. The status changed to RFERR on the same day. If L2 say they received your reply then dont worry about online status.

[zee112008eb2I]

Zee, I received the RFE on June 12th and uscis got the reply on Aug 4th. The status changed to RFERR on the same day. If L2 say they received your reply then dont worry about online status. Did you send your RFE reply to P O Box Mesquite address or Dallas address for courier service?

[la_2002_ch]

My rule of thumb is this. We are the "august batch". When Sept rolls around and if we start seeing approvals from the Sept batch without us being approved, I would do whatever I can to get an approval.

Since the date has moved to May 1, and since we have responded to the RFE though, I think it is safe to say an approval will come unless a 0.01% chance of another RFE. All background checks have happened before the RFE so this is only a matter of someone approving it in the system. Just relax and enjoy your time.

Thanks.... I hope all of us in Aug batch get the good news in the remaining 17 days!! Very anxious time to pass. :)

[Zoroark]

Did you send your RFE reply to P O Box Mesquite address or Dallas address for courier service?

I don't know since my lawyer mailed the document.

[dorais]

Mine is XM280 as well.


My officer is XM0136. Same officer for you?


mine is XM280, I think this is one is the slowest at TSC

[helpful_leo]

The Sept bulletin has given me a lot of peace. All RFE respondents whose papers are in order should get greened. Clearly, they have that much spillover. It remains to be seen when TSC picks up our cases because they are still approving the July batch and not done yet.

I expect many of the Sept batch to get greened in October from the FY 2015 numbers.

Good to read this.
Esp. afetr reading the many folks on trackitt with Oct / Nov 08 PDs who are moaning they will miss the boat this year beacuse NSC is approving 09 PDs while TSC has not crossed Aug 08!

[dorais]

I think they prefer FedEx/UPS for all immigration documents and they can not mail it to a PO box.


The RFE asks clearly to send the response to the PO box. I don't know why some lawyers are sending it to the Dallas lockbox.

[RMS_V13]

Q, Kanmani, Sportfan, other Gurus,

My PD in Sep 2008 and applied in Jan 2012. We were issued RFE on Jun 5th and then USCIS messed up my RFE details letter 2-3 of times (long story), we finally responded to RFE on Jul 22nd and my status changed to RFERR on Jul 23rd. Its now been 3+ weeks, do you guys suggest I should get in the escalation mode and start talking to USCIS/Congressman/SR or should I wait patiently for some more time? My case is at NSC which is already approving 2009 cases.

The whole month of September and 1/2 August is available. I understand your situation. Mine was with TSC and no news for over 50 days. I wanted to give them the 60 days they ask and then begin spamming everyone with escalation emails. But in your case, you may or may not have 60 days to wait.

I would call L2 first. See what is going on with your file and then play it.

[RMS_V13]

Thanks for this info...puts my mind to ease considerably.

My husband's employer decided to merge with a much bigger corp. The EVL was on the new company header/logo. No other supporting documentation. No info about # of employees, location, etc. Just a para about the company. We got ours approved.

[RMS_V13]

Sports fan- No letter head - okay. Is there a logo?

[RMS_V13]

RMS, yes, there is a logo. The parent company is very well known.

I also used another trick. Apparently we had some official envelopes with the company logo and address on it. I used two of those envelopes for the 2 RFE responses.

Anyway, my mail was out yesterday and will be delivered tomorrow. No idea of how long a wait I am going to encounter so I will again spend the next few days in a nervous state of mind. This GC business is really killing my productivity.

I understand. What is the prediction for Oct ? My gutt feeling is they want to clear until Apr 2009, be it Sept or Oct. If I were you, I would start making my moves in 2 weeks by calling L2 and once the VB is out, if its retrogressing, call Senator's office.

[RMS_V13]

Any updates from Vizcard?

[la_2002_ch]

The whole month of September and 1/2 August is available. I understand your situation. Mine was with TSC and no news for over 50 days. I wanted to give them the 60 days they ask and then begin spamming everyone with escalation emails. But in your case, you may or may not have 60 days to wait.

I would call L2 first. See what is going on with your file and then play it.

Thanks RMS. Called yesterday evening. The Customer Service rep wouldn't connect me to L2. She kept on repeating the status that my file is under RFERR and I should get a decision within 60 days. :-(

what do you guys think? Should I try getting an Infopass next week or should I contact the congressman after 30 days (on Thursday)? I am planning to submit my EAD/AP renewal on Thursday as well (120 days before expiration).

[la_2002_ch]

Any updates from Vizcard?

I don't think we have seen any posts from viz lately. I can only imagine what he must be going through. I am only close to 30 day mark and so anxious/nervous/frustated and he has even crossed the 60 day mark.

[RMS_V13]

Thanks RMS. Called yesterday evening. The Customer Service rep wouldn't connect me to L2. She kept on repeating the status that my file is under RFERR and I should get a decision within 60 days. :-(

what do you guys think? Should I try getting an Infopass next week or should I contact the congressman after 30 days (on Thursday)? I am planning to submit my EAD/AP renewal on Thursday as well (120 days before expiration).

1. Just try telling them that your PD is 2009/2008 and You filed in 2012 and want to know whats going on with your case. In spite of this, if they say, no L2, then tell them that dates could retrogress in Oct when fiscal year begins and you need to talk to l2 before submitting your EAD/AP. But honestly, things are slow and its too early for anything to happen on yours since the July filers are still waiting... :(

In another 2 weeks if no response, I will start following up aggressively, just me.

Just ask your spouse to call and inquire on her case. May be shell have luck with the L1. Anytime I called, I would always be asked if I want to talk to l2 or create an SR. I was too scared to do so and would refuse.

Hope this helps.

[ramaka02]

I called USCIS on the 59th day post RFERR and the L1 just bluntly refused to connect me to L2 no matter what I told her, rather asked me to take an Infopass appointment (which I did). On the 62nd day post RFERR, I called and they connected me to L2 immediately. Another friend of mine called on 45th day post RFERR and he was connected to L2. YMMV is what I got from the experience.


Thanks RMS. Called yesterday evening. The Customer Service rep wouldn't connect me to L2. She kept on repeating the status that my file is under RFERR and I should get a decision within 60 days. :-(

what do you guys think? Should I try getting an Infopass next week or should I contact the congressman after 30 days (on Thursday)? I am planning to submit my EAD/AP renewal on Thursday as well (120 days before expiration).

[la_2002_ch]

I called USCIS on the 59th day post RFERR and the L1 just bluntly refused to connect me to L2 no matter what I told her, rather asked me to take an Infopass appointment (which I did). On the 62nd day post RFERR, I called and they connected me to L2 immediately. Another friend of mine called on 45th day post RFERR and he was connected to L2. YMMV is what I got from the experience.


1. Just try telling them that your PD is 2009/2008 and You filed in 2012 and want to know whats going on with your case. In spite of this, if they say, no L2, then tell them that dates could retrogress in Oct when fiscal year begins and you need to talk to l2 before submitting your EAD/AP. But honestly, things are slow and its too early for anything to happen on yours since the July filers are still waiting... :(

In another 2 weeks if no response, I will start following up aggressively, just me.

Just ask your spouse to call and inquire on her case. May be shell have luck with the L1. Anytime I called, I would always be asked if I want to talk to l2 or create an SR. I was too scared to do so and would refuse.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the replies. I think I will wait till the end of August and get into the escalation mode from Sep 2nd. I am hoping that the dates won't retrogress in Oct, so even if my approval doesn't come before the FY2014 numbers run out by mid-Sep(based on history), I will sail through from FY 2015 numbers in Oct.

[vizcard]

I don't think we have seen any posts from viz lately. I can only imagine what he must be going through. I am only close to 30 day mark and so anxious/nervous/frustated and he has even crossed the 60 day mark.


Any updates from Vizcard?


No update. I reached out to Senator but haven't heard back from his office yet. Also got a SR started. I was crazy busy with work so I was distracted but now it's hitting me again. Wtf !

[RMS_V13]

No update. I reached out to Senator but haven't heard back from his office yet. Also got a SR started. I was crazy busy with work so I was distracted but now it's hitting me again. Wtf !

Senetor or not, your approval is around the corner. TSC has finally picked up the pace and give them a week to settle down.

[Spectator]

RMS,

Agreed, TSC have now picked up the pace and are catching up with the NSC numbers.

Here's the latest figures from the Trackitt thread (http://www.qesehmk.org/forums/showthread.php/2404-Trackitt-Comparison-FY2014-vs-FY2013-vs-FY2012-vs-FY2011) in FACTS & DATA.

July ------- 1 -- 2 -- 3 -- 4 -- 5 -- 6 -- 7 -- 8 -- 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18 - 19 - 20 - 21 - 22 - 23 - 24 - 23 - 26 - 27 - 28 - 29 - 30 - 31 - Total
Number ----- 9 - 20 -- 4 -- 1 -- 1 -- 0 -- 7 -- 9 -- 4 -- 2 - 11 -- 6 -- 0 -- 2 -- 8 -- 9 - 10 - 16 -- 3 -- 1 - 12 -- 8 - 15 -- 4 -- 8 -- 1 -- 0 -- 3 -- 7 -- 4 -- 1 --- 186

August ----- 1 -- 2 -- 3 -- 4 -- 5 -- 6 -- 7 -- 8 -- 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18 - 19 - 20 - 21 - 22 - 23 - 24 - 23 - 26 - 27 - 28 - 29 - 30 - 31 - Total
Number ---- 17 -- 6 -- 0 - 17 - 26 - 29 - 22 - 11 - 14 -- 0 - 13 - 17 -- 5 - 17 - 15 -- 7 -- 0 -- 0 -- 0 -- 0 -- 0 -- 0 -- 0 -- 0 -- 0 -- 0 -- 0 -- 0 -- 0 -- 0 -- 0 --- 216


Center ---- NSC ----- TSC ----- CSC ----- VSC --- Total
Total ----- 240 ----- 162 ------- 0 ------- 0 ----- 402
Percent -- 59.7% --- 40.3% ---- 0.0% ---- 0.0% -- 100.0%

[vizcard]

One thing about people like Viz: I have a weird feeling that the RFE response was sent too soon. It went to the USCIS in June and since then, it seems to be collecting dust in a separate box. It would really suck if this was the case and I am sincerely hoping Viz is not losing sleep over this (I lost mine but then, I didn't have the RFE to begin with). I hope a Senator inquiry would eing his longstanding case to adjudication.


I don't think that's the case. a lot of ppl with June RFERs have been approved. I've been losing sleep but not because of this :) This week is going to be pretty important one. I have some final round job interviews and I'm counting on getting the GC this summer to not have to worry about being in a "similar" role for AC21.

[RMS_V13]

I don't think that's the case. a lot of ppl with June RFERs have been approved. I've been losing sleep but not because of this :) This week is going to be pretty important one. I have some final round job interviews and I'm counting on getting the GC this summer to not have to worry about being in a "similar" role for AC21.

Viz, my RFERR date is June 19th and the same Officer issued our RFEs. I would definitely follow up with a senator once you hit the 58th day mark so that they get the inquiry at exactly 60 days

[vizcard]

Viz, my RFERR date is June 19th and the same Officer issued our RFEs. I would definitely follow up with a senator once you hit the 58th day mark so that they get the inquiry at exactly 60 days

Ive gone past my 60 days already and I've emailed my Senator's office. I'm going to follow up with them tomorrow morning.

[waitinglong]

Still waiting. Already one and half months gone while my dates are current. My PD is 7/2/2008 EB2I, TSC. Getting worried, frustrated and irritated at the same time.

[zee112008eb2I]

PD Nov 2008 EB2I: RD Mar 2012:

My RFE response was received by TSC on July 14, 2014 but status is still RFE.
So I called USCIS Customer Service on August 4 to ask why and to confirm if they received my RFE reply.
I did not ask for SR. But the representative volunteered to open an SR saying my application is outside
normal processing time frame. I got the following response to the SR today from USCIS.


----------------
The status of this service request is:


Your case is currently pending. We received your response for request for evidence (RFE) on 07/14/14. All cases are worked in the order they are received. If you do not receive a decision or other notice of action from us within 90 days of this letter, please contact customer service at the number provided below.


Thank you,
XM1331
--------------------------------------
1. The officer who issued RFE was XM0136. But the above response is from XM1331.
Does this mean the case is transferred to this officer now?


2. What the hell is this 90 days from this message? Dates will be retrogressed by this time.
I thought we have to wait 60 days from RFE response received date. (30+90) 120 days? Is this a joke?

[ramaka02]

Sports:
My RFE material reached Mesquite on June 6 around 10 AM CST. The status got updated to RFERR and I received status update SMS (&email) confirmation around 7AM EST on June 9th.

The process and online status updates lag big time. I was not able to track my application (RD: Jan 2012) till June 2012. It was in Acceptance stage all along until they received the RFE Reply packet and it got updated to RFERR. It did get updated to Card Production once the case was approved, but I have seen cases (on Trackitt) where the online status did not reflect, but folks received the GC and welcome letters directly :)!

I have been asking about transparency/logic behind these for weeks now, I did not get any positive reply from any members anywhere. If you come up with anything let me know, I am game for it. GL buddy, hang in there...I know easier said than done!


My mail has been delivered by the USCIS as of Friday around 2 PM at the PO box address on the RFE letter. But the status still has not changed.

I was under the impression the status changes within 24 hours. Can someone chime in?

P.S. This has finally started to break me down. This whole process is ridiculous, excruciating and downright pure evil. I have no idea when I can expect the GC. Maybe tomorrow, maybe in 2 years. Some people on trackitt have reported receiving a second RFE. People like Viz are still in the dark. It seems getting an RFE is not enough. The USCIS can find more ways to mess with you.

I am seriously considering starting an effort among us to get back at this nonsense. Can we brainstorm? I wish future applicants don't go through this. Any ideas are welcome. Without having any procedural knowledge, my first idea is to contact the Congressman rep and get a seat at the USCIS conference call. We need to establish some kind of dialogue and get transparency in the process.

[nbk1976]

Some with Feb 2009 PDs have gotten RFEs. This is even better news.

[la_2002_ch]

Welcome to the list of people waiting for the final mail/notification. I can very well understand on how hard it is to focus on life and work with all this. Had some big changes at work within the last couple of weeks and I can't really focus on it. Its like I have to force myself to do something other than constantly checking mail/messages.


Sure. I will be around here and I will try to open a dialogue with people who are stuck. Thanks for showing support!

P.S. The status did change finally. I didn't receive an email strangely though. Anyway, the final step (is it really?). It's hard to focus on life when this limbo continues. Oh my USCIS!

[venkat]

How much has the situation improved in Texas service center? I know people who got current in August are anxious but there are still a lot of people (including me) who became current in July and not approved yet.

Based on Trackitt it appears that the approval rate has kind of picked up in the last 2-3 weeks but its still no where near the rate that is required to clear all who became current in July.

Experts, please chime in!!!

[RMS_V13]

Venkat, I have not analyzed the data to support anything I say, but I strongly believe TSC will clear most of July and some of August. I doubt dates will be advanced as it has and no action be taken.

[helpful_leo]

Venkat, I have not analyzed the data to support anything I say, but I strongly believe TSC will clear most of July and some of August. I doubt dates will be advanced as it has and no action be taken.

Do you mean to say that all of August current applicants cannot or is unlikely to be greened over the next 2-3 months?

I thought the consensus here and elsewhere was that - despite the present slowness - TSC will be able to clear most / all of August current folks, and even further.

I am Dec 08 PD - tell me if my interpretation was wrong and I should be panicking!

[GreenDream]

Yes Sportsfan, the RFE response was sent and status turned to RFERR on June 20th. I hope you are right.

I also wish you the best too. I see you are sending your RFE response today. It is very shocking to see that they took so long to just send the RFE in your case. Thankfully there should be enough time for approval. So today was 61 days after my RFERR. My lawyer called the USCIS and was asked to wait another 15 days for receipt and then 30 days after that for any update on the case. This whole SR thing is turning out to be a joke as usual. The USCIS is hiding behind this another timelines now. Not sure what to do except wait.

I have taken Infopass after two weeks. Lets see if it is useful or not. I have no high hopes.

[RMS_V13]

Do you mean to say that all of August current applicants cannot or is unlikely to be greened over the next 2-3 months?

I thought the consensus here and elsewhere was that - despite the present slowness - TSC will be able to clear most / all of August current folks, and even further.

I am Dec 08 PD - tell me if my interpretation was wrong and I should be panicking!

Leo, Sorry! I don't mean to freak you out. As I said I have not paid close Attn to metrics. Since Sept is the end of financial year I was not sure how visas can be carried over to new year. Matt and/or Spec if they are not one and the same are the ones who provide insights bases on available analytics.

[wolverine82]

PD Apr 4 2008
RD Sep 23rd 2013
RFE May 30 2014 (EVL,medicals)
RFERR June 26 2014
Opened SR on Aug 4th online
system said expect a response by Aug 26th
got reply back for e-request raised on Aug 4th yesterday via email
The officers on my RFE and this SR are different so i am assuming that whoever answers SR are just folks who update status after checking with the actual case adjudicating officer.
The below is status and i am taking it with grain of salt as this seems to be a standard reply will hit 60 days next week so took infopass after labor day weekend.

"We have received your service request and researched the status of your case. We have had to perform additional review and this has caused a delay in processing time. Your case is currently with an adjudicating officer. You should receive a decision or notice of further action within 30 days."

[Spectator]

Do you mean to say that all of August current applicants cannot or is unlikely to be greened over the next 2-3 months?

I thought the consensus here and elsewhere was that - despite the present slowness - TSC will be able to clear most / all of August current folks, and even further.

I am Dec 08 PD - tell me if my interpretation was wrong and I should be panicking!helpful_leo,

My general sense is that those current in the August VB should generally expect to see approvals in September, with a few approved in October from the FY2015 allocation.

I think there will be sufficient visa numbers available in FY2014 to cover those current in the August VB. Both SC are capable of higher rates of approvals than seen to date.

[helpful_leo]

helpful_leo,

My general sense is that those current in the August VB should generally expect to see approvals in September, with a few approved in October from the FY2015 allocation.

I think there will be sufficient visa numbers available in FY2014 to cover those current in the August VB. Both SC are capable of higher rates of approvals than seen to date.

Thanks Spec. I was just checking if my interpretation of the prevailing opinion here was correct or not. Seems it is.

I also know there are many moving parts here and no one may be able to accurately predict what happens eventually.


Btw, is it true that TSC 'internally retrogresses' dates mid-September? If so, do we know if that retrogression is based on PD or RD?

And are the new FY numbers available in October much fewer than those available now thru Sept?

Thanks, and sorry about all the Qs!

[ramaka02]

SR reply with a "within 30 days" mentioned in it is always a good sign. You should get approved within a week or so for sure.


PD Apr 4 2008
RD Sep 23rd 2013
RFE May 30 2014 (EVL,medicals)
RFERR June 26 2014
Opened SR on Aug 4th online
system said expect a response by Aug 26th
got reply back for e-request raised on Aug 4th yesterday via email
The officers on my RFE and this SR are different so i am assuming that whoever answers SR are just folks who update status after checking with the actual case adjudicating officer.
The below is status and i am taking it with grain of salt as this seems to be a standard reply will hit 60 days next week so took infopass after labor day weekend.

"We have received your service request and researched the status of your case. We have had to perform additional review and this has caused a delay in processing time. Your case is currently with an adjudicating officer. You should receive a decision or notice of further action within 30 days."

[wolverine82]

SR reply with a "within 30 days" mentioned in it is always a good sign. You should get approved within a week or so for sure.

Thanks ramaka..I will stay positive for next 2 weeks :)

[RMS_V13]

Thanks ramaka..I will stay positive for next 2 weeks :)

You will squeeze through.

[triplet]

I called NSC just to see what's going on with the case. The officer was helpful and said since the case was outside normal processing time she would open a service request. I told her it is not outside processing time, but she insisted anyway! My PD is Oct 08 NSC RFERR Jul22. I've been seeing 2009 folks getting approved and the anxiety is beginning to build so I thought I would call them. I've never done this before, what do they do for the service request, I just hope I didn't complicate things!

[triplet]

Leo, Sorry! I don't mean to freak you out. As I said I have not paid close Attn to metrics. Since Sept is the end of financial year I was not sure how visas can be carried over to new year. Matt and/or Spec if they are not one and the same are the ones who provide insights bases on available analytics.

I feel for you Wolverine, hope you get approved soon - it is really crazy that your case continues to be pending.

[triplet]

helpful_leo,

My general sense is that those current in the August VB should generally expect to see approvals in September, with a few approved in October from the FY2015 allocation.

I think there will be sufficient visa numbers available in FY2014 to cover those current in the August VB. Both SC are capable of higher rates of approvals than seen to date.

Nice! If Spec is optimistic about proceedings, then it must be okay :) All will be well!

[Spectator]

Nice! If Spec is optimistic about proceedings, then it must be okay :) All will be well!triplet,

It's a bit out of character, isn't it! :D

[GreenDream]

I called NSC just to see what's going on with the case. The officer was helpful and said since the case was outside normal processing time she would open a service request. I told her it is not outside processing time, but she insisted anyway! My PD is Oct 08 NSC RFERR Jul22. I've been seeing 2009 folks getting approved and the anxiety is beginning to build so I thought I would call them. I've never done this before, what do they do for the service request, I just hope I didn't complicate things! You are lucky. My RFERR @TSC has been pending since June 20th. I tried to call them couple of times to open SR but they never budged. May be TSC just dysfunctional but nobdy was helpful. Finally they opened the SR after 60 Days, and have been asked to basically wait 45 days to hear the update.

[triplet]

triplet,

It's a bit out of character, isn't it! :D

I've been following your posts since 2011, it most definitely is! Even otherwise, I have always enjoyed your posts:D

[triplet]

You are lucky. My RFERR @TSC has been pending since June 20th. I tried to call them couple of times to open SR but they never budged. May be TSC just dysfunctional but nobdy was helpful. Finally they opened the SR after 60 Days, and have been asked to basically wait 45 days to hear the update.

Sorry to hear that GreenDream - hope you get it soon!

[ksur23]

My pd (Jan 28, 2009) becomes current in September (NSC). However I am going to leave my current employer tomorrow. So I will be losing the services of a big law firm. The RFEs have been responded to in June.

When and if my case gets through without further RFEs does the law firm get any document - 797 etc - from USCIS? I am guessing the applicants get the GCs directly, but not sure if the law firm will receive anything.

Appreciate responses by the community here.

A 2nd question if I may - what are the chances my case will get through in September? (RFERR June 27, RD Feb '12)

[vizcard]

You are lucky. My RFERR @TSC has been pending since June 20th. I tried to call them couple of times to open SR but they never budged. May be TSC just dysfunctional but nobdy was helpful. Finally they opened the SR after 60 Days, and have been asked to basically wait 45 days to hear the update.

I have the same story. They told me low-end 15 days, high-end 30 days. But its bull crap. If they don't respond by then, I'm going to the Ombudsman.

[vizcard]

My pd (Jan 28, 2009) becomes current in September (NSC). However I am going to leave my current employer tomorrow. So I will be losing the services of a big law firm. The RFEs have been responded to in June.

When and if my case gets through without further RFEs does the law firm get any document - 797 etc - from USCIS? I am guessing the applicants get the GCs directly, but not sure if the law firm will receive anything.

Appreciate responses by the community here.

A 2nd question if I may - what are the chances my case will get through in September? (RFERR June 27, RD Feb '12)

You should get everything. At most the law firm will get a copy of the approval notice.

As for your 2nd question, being in NSC, you probably have a very good chance... probably better than those that got current in July at TSC (like me) :P

[GreenDream]

I have the same story. They told me low-end 15 days, high-end 30 days. But its bull crap. If they don't respond by then, I'm going to the Ombudsman. How do you contact the Ombudsman? I have doubt this whole SR thingy is gonna help me at all. I am expecting some generic boiler plate response.

[vizcard]

How do you contact the Ombudsman? I have doubt this whole SR thingy is gonna help me at all. I am expecting some generic boiler plate response.

Just google uscis ombudsman... there's a whole site with instructions and a form and all.

[ksur23]

You may have done these things already, but just to recap anyway:

1) Fill the online G28 form at "some point" for all pending 485 cases. I would normally do it right away, but since your case is in the "last of the last legs", you might want to hold off on that until the second week of September or until you receive the GC ((whichever is sooner). This way, you become your own lawyer.

2) Get a copy of the approved PERM and approved I140. Get copies of all approved H1Bs with this firm.

3) If possible, get a letter that explicitly states your employment duration, your job title, duties and present salary.

4) Your chances are good regardless of what's happening right now. As we come close to Sept 30, approvals will skyrocket if there are leftover visas.

Thanks a lot for the response Viz. I really hope you and others in your boat get the GC asap - I know life isn't fair but it should be some of the time. All the best.

Sports, thanks a lot for detailed response, appreciate it. I hope your frustrations disappear soon with some EO magic soon. There was a time when I used to feel like an animal caged wrt to my job. But I have come to realize, although I relapse every now and then, that life is better than 90-95% of people in the world. It's hard to think on these terms all the time but this kind of framing has helped me a bit.

btw - why is G28 necessary if I get GC?

[helpful_leo]

An update on what many of you may already know:

There has been a spate of approvals from TSC on trackitt for those who got current in August!

Several Sept 08 PDs, few Dec 08 PDs and 1 Jan 09 PD got approved.
From what I could discern, there is no particular pattern in how they are sorting the August current cases for approval - not by PD, RD or RFER dates.

Also the total # of TSC approvals has almost caught up with NSC #s. Hopefully, the trend continues..

[vizcard]

Thanks a lot for the response Viz. I really hope you and others in your boat get the GC asap - I know life isn't fair but it should be some of the time. All the best.

Sports, thanks a lot for detailed response, appreciate it. I hope your frustrations disappear soon with some EO magic soon. There was a time when I used to feel like an animal caged wrt to my job. But I have come to realize, although I relapse every now and then, that life is better than 90-95% of people in the world. It's hard to think on these terms all the time but this kind of framing has helped me a bit.

btw - why is G28 necessary if I get GC?


Thanks for the wishes. My frustrations were over when we got EADs back in 2012. All things are relative though, I agree to that.

The point about G28 is this: Since you are leaving the employer, you want to handle your own case now. That's why you need to file G28. But then again, since you are now only waiting for approval, just don't disturb the hornet's nest. You only need to worry if the USCIS sent you another RFE or something crazy like that which sometimes goes only to the lawyer...but for a GC, it will come straight to your mailbox. At this point, I wouldn't file a G28 but I would closely monitor the case.


A G28 is only if you do want a 3rd party to represent you. If you are representing yourself you SHOULD NOT and DO NOT need to file a G28. you need to send a letter to the USCIS informing them you will be representing yourself and send a copy to the lawyers.

[Kanmani]

Viz, I might be missing something here. How exactly do you send a letter to the USCIS? I thought G28 was for exactly that: to inform the USCIS of a change in legal ownership of your case. I filled the G28 online for both of my cases and I just put my name in both forms. I am assuming the USCIS is no longer sending any RFE copies to my previous lawyer.

Sportsfan, Form-G28 is for lawyers who are representing on behalf of the petitioners. You must not fill your name on that unless you are a member of the bar council.

[vizcard]

Fantastic. I am getting an uneasy feeling about this now. Worst case, they might bombard me with another RFE. Is there an end to this nightmare?

I'd call the USCIS help desk and ask them the right address to send it to. Also make sure you include the 485 receipt number and your A number in the letter. I wouldn't worry about it. You can also talk to your lawyers and let them know that you are doing this but there might be a chance they will get the docs and to forward them to you or atleast inform you that they got them.

[Kanmani]

Sportsfan, Don't worry about it. I-485 is open to self-filing, and after all we are rookies. USCIS come across all these in their routine, there is a great chance to ignore them.

[pdfeb09]

When I talked to the USCIS multiple times over the last month or two, they had my correct mailing address on file. I am wondering if I need to really touch the hornet's nest at this time when my case has been sitting in RRERR for the last few days. The possible cases according to in this situation are:
1) My previous lawyer gets the documents and ignores them
2) My previous lawyer gets the document but informs the USCIS that he is not representing me which induces the USCIS to send me another RFE
3) My previous lawyer gets the documents and informs the USCIS but the USCIS ignores it
4) My previous lawyer no longer gets the documents but the USCIS does something crazy like deny my 485 because I filled G28 when I was not supposed to
5) My previous lawyer no longer gets the documents and the USCIS ignores the G28 mishap.

Is the possibility 4 real and can it happen? If so, I do not mind taking a corrective action. Just wanted to ask the Gurus.

EDIT: ****aguely remember while doing this online that I chose to represent myself. I don't remember how the online structure of the form G28 was. I will check again by backtracing the steps. I don't know honestly if I should be worrying and if I have to, how much.

sports .. I think you are getting anxious unnecessarily .. USCIS will most likely just ignore the G28 misstep .. You are at a stage where you are just waiting for the GC to come along .. it won't go to the lawyer anyways regardless of what G28 is active .. if there are any documents to be sent to you (unfortunately) .. they will probably go to you and your lawyer both .. what the lawyer does after that is not USCIS's concern .. Remember, you will always get a copy of all the I485 related correspondence delivered directly to you ..

I know it is difficult to do so .. but if you can, just calm down and don't think too much about the overall GC stuff .. most likely .. you will have it within next 2 weeks .. Viz is probably going to get in before you though :p

This is just my gut feeling .. nothing more !

[TeddyKoochu]

When I talked to the USCIS multiple times over the last month or two, they had my correct mailing address on file. I am wondering if I need to really touch the hornet's nest at this time when my case has been sitting in RRERR for the last few days. The possible cases according to in this situation are:
1) My previous lawyer gets the documents and ignores them
2) My previous lawyer gets the document but informs the USCIS that he is not representing me which induces the USCIS to send me another RFE
3) My previous lawyer gets the documents and informs the USCIS but the USCIS ignores it
4) My previous lawyer no longer gets the documents but the USCIS does something crazy like deny my 485 because I filled G28 when I was not supposed to
5) My previous lawyer no longer gets the documents and the USCIS ignores the G28 mishap.

Is the possibility 4 real and can it happen? If so, I do not mind taking a corrective action. Just wanted to ask the Gurus.

EDIT: ****aguely remember while doing this online that I chose to represent myself. I don't remember how the online structure of the form G28 was. I will check again by backtracing the steps. I don't know honestly if I should be worrying and if I have to, how much.

Sports you can do the following

- File AR-11 form electronically at the end they ask for your pending petitions this should set your address correctly, it is important that the address is correct so that you get the RFE information, cards and notices.

- To remove the lawyer you just need to blank out his / her name from the G28 Form.

On the I485 you are the applicant so you would by default get all communication.

[vizcard]

Sportsfan - they won't deny your 485 for a G28 issue. All communications will come to you and since you have validated your address with the USCIS is correct, you don't need to worry. Respond to anything that comes your way. I'm 100% sure that the G28 won't cause any problems.

Also, talk to your old law firm and ask them what their protocol is in case they get communication related to your case in the future. They will provide clear direction on "ways of working" either with them or with the USCIS.

[helpful_leo]

Sportsfan - they won't deny your 485 for a G28 issue. All communications will come to you and since you have validated your address with the USCIS is correct, you don't need to worry. Respond to anything that comes your way. I'm 100% sure that the G28 won't cause any problems.

Also, talk to your old law firm and ask them what their protocol is in case they get communication related to your case in the future. They will provide clear direction on "ways of working" either with them or with the USCIS.

Viz,

Can you remind us what your RD & RFER dates were. Also, what steps had you taken to hasten the approval?

Did you get any sense why your approval was a little delayed and what, if any, may have finally triggered it?

Just trying to moderate my anxiety level which is finally going up, now that I see a bunch of Dec 08 PDs with RD & RFER dates after me getting approved!

[vizcard]

Viz,

Can you remind us what your RD & RFER dates were. Also, what steps had you taken to hasten the approval?

Did you get any sense why your approval was a little delayed and what, if any, may have finally triggered it?

Just trying to moderate my anxiety level which is finally going up, now that I see a bunch of Dec 08 PDs with RD & RFER dates after me getting approved!

RD-1/30/12
RFERR - 6/12/14
I opened a SR and contacted my Senator but I'm not sure if any of those worked.

I will add this though, opening a SR is as close as a direct contact to the approving officer as you'll get. So its not a bad idea to do that. I actually got an email reply from the SR today afternoon giving me the latest status (but it was after the approval).

[wolverine82]

RD-1/30/12
RFERR - 6/12/14
I opened a SR and contacted my Senator but I'm not sure if any of those worked.

I will add this though, opening a SR is as close as a direct contact to the approving officer as you'll get. So its not a bad idea to do that. I actually got an email reply from the SR today afternoon giving me the latest status (but it was after the approval).

Viz,

What was the response to your SR as I got wait for 30 days as it is with adjudicating officer so wanted to see what is the response for you as you already got approved.

[helpful_leo]

RD-1/30/12
RFERR - 6/12/14
I opened a SR and contacted my Senator but I'm not sure if any of those worked.

I will add this though, opening a SR is as close as a direct contact to the approving officer as you'll get. So its not a bad idea to do that. I actually got an email reply from the SR today afternoon giving me the latest status (but it was after the approval).

Thank you!

[vizcard]

Viz,

What was the response to your SR as I got wait for 30 days as it is with adjudicating officer so wanted to see what is the response for you as you already got approved.

Same thing but I got the response from the adjudicating officer in 12 days.

[wolverine82]

Same thing but I got the response from the adjudicating officer in 12 days.

Sorry I didn't put my question properly I got reply back to my SR in 15 days with below message
"We have received your service request and researched the status of your case. We have had to perform additional review and this has caused a delay in processing time. Your case is currently with an adjudicating officer. You should receive a decision or notice of further action within 30 days."

so was wondering if you got the same message or something else. just trying to analyze even though each case is different as I have hit my 60 days RFERR today.

[Seeking_GC_Since_Jun_2008]

Hello Guys,

Is there anyone left from PD June 2008, It seems like USCIS has mostly cleared the cases until August 2008 but not sure what happened to my file :(?

My 60 days of RFE response gets over on 30th Aug....Any advise on the next steps if I still don't hear anything from USCIS this week?

My case details:
TSC
PD: June 30 3008
RFE RR: June 30 2014

[helpful_leo]

Sorry I didn't put my question properly I got reply back to my SR in 15 days with below message
"We have received your service request and researched the status of your case. We have had to perform additional review and this has caused a delay in processing time. Your case is currently with an adjudicating officer. You should receive a decision or notice of further action within 30 days."

so was wondering if you got the same message or something else. just trying to analyze even though each case is different as I have hit my 60 days RFERR today.

Don't mean to butt in but the way I read Viz's response is: 1/ He got the same/ similar reply as yours, i.e. wait for 30 days; 2/ Despite what the response said (i.e. wait for 30 days), his GC was approved within 12 days.

I may be wrong and he can correct me.

[vizcard]

Don't mean to butt in but the way I read Viz's response is: 1/ He got the same/ similar reply as yours, i.e. wait for 30 days; 2/ Despite what the response said (i.e. wait for 30 days), his GC was approved within 12 days.

I may be wrong and he can correct me.

Yup. Spot on.

[vizcard]

So i got a 2nd set of CPO emails today ... now they really want to give me GCs :)

any idea what this means or if that is just an oversight ?

[wolverine82]

Yup. Spot on.

Thanks Leo and Vizcard.. let me see if I am also equally lucky :)

[ramaka02]

Ignore any emails or updates except for the one which has card USPS Tracking number :D! We received 3 welcome letters and then the card in hand within 1 week of CPO Email.


So i got a 2nd set of CPO emails today ... now they really want to give me GCs :)

any idea what this means or if that is just an oversight ?

[ramaka02]

Easier said than done, but hang in there buddy you will see the end of the tunnel soon :)!


Thanks Leo and Vizcard.. let me see if I am also equally lucky :)

[GCHopes]

What a mess TSC has been!!!!!

I've had similar reply for my SR since July 31st saying i'll get a decision in 30 days, but no updates as of yet! I've not even got any RFE for Medicals yet and my last RFE back in May 2012 is still showing under Response Review!!! After bunch of calls, there have been 0 updates

On the flip side, my spouse got an RFE in May 22nd which never got to our place or the lawyer!! We just happened to find out about it in July (mind you after 3 calls in June, and July) that RFE was sent out in May that never made through. We'd them resend it back twice and either of them got to our address, where as we get all other mail okay!! Neither did our lawyer get any RFE!! Finally on Aug 21st (90 days, and expired RFE response) they agreed to Fax the RFE. Luckily it was just Medicals that we'd prepared in advance in anticipation and sent it back the same day!!! Now her status is RFE Response as well!!!!! Alas!!! The wait continues!!!

Our PD dates are July 29 2008!!!!

[GCHopes]

Does anyone know of any case that was approved with expired Medicals from TSC?? Coz if not, i probably am losing any faith in getting greened this year!!

[vizcard]

What a mess TSC has been!!!!!

I've had similar reply for my SR since July 31st saying i'll get a decision in 30 days, but no updates as of yet! I've not even got any RFE for Medicals yet and my last RFE back in May 2012 is still showing under Response Review!!! After bunch of calls, there have been 0 updates

On the flip side, my spouse got an RFE in May 22nd which never got to our place or the lawyer!! We just happened to find out about it in July (mind you after 3 calls in June, and July) that RFE was sent out in May that never made through. We'd them resend it back twice and either of them got to our address, where as we get all other mail okay!! Neither did our lawyer get any RFE!! Finally on Aug 21st (90 days, and expired RFE response) they agreed to Fax the RFE. Luckily it was just Medicals that we'd prepared in advance in anticipation and sent it back the same day!!! Now her status is RFE Response as well!!!!! Alas!!! The wait continues!!!

Our PD dates are July 29 2008!!!!

Go the Senator/Congressman route...ideally meet with him/her in person rather than go through the office. Also call up the 800 number. When you do speak with someone, ask for a L2 rep because the L1 process (the service request) didn't result in anything. You can be a little rude with the L1s because they have "read only" access to your file.

[helpful_leo]

What a mess TSC has been!!!!!

I've had similar reply for my SR since July 31st saying i'll get a decision in 30 days, but no updates as of yet! I've not even got any RFE for Medicals yet and my last RFE back in May 2012 is still showing under Response Review!!! After bunch of calls, there have been 0 updates

On the flip side, my spouse got an RFE in May 22nd which never got to our place or the lawyer!! We just happened to find out about it in July (mind you after 3 calls in June, and July) that RFE was sent out in May that never made through. We'd them resend it back twice and either of them got to our address, where as we get all other mail okay!! Neither did our lawyer get any RFE!! Finally on Aug 21st (90 days, and expired RFE response) they agreed to Fax the RFE. Luckily it was just Medicals that we'd prepared in advance in anticipation and sent it back the same day!!! Now her status is RFE Response as well!!!!! Alas!!! The wait continues!!!

Our PD dates are July 29 2008!!!!

I can understand. I had the situation where they sent my wife's RFEs to a mixed up address (literally - a perfect combination of old & new address : ) This was despite L1s and L2s reading off the correct address on the phone when I had inquired earlier. It didn't matter for the RFE itself as we responded to the copy sent to the lawyer. But, when the RFE sent to our mixed-up address got returned by USPS after 3 weeks, they re-sent the RFE again and changed our status from RFER back to RFE! This 2nd RFE was also presumably sent to the wrong address again, as we didn't get it even the second time around.

Long calls to L2 has apparently ensured that they acknowledged our status is RFER, and they changed status from RFE to IR.

Still a bit anxious, let's see how this pans out. The level of incompetence you see makes you wonder if their bonuses are tied to how stupid they can be : )

[qbloguser]

:D

USCIS is a Govt agency - in case you didn't notice. But compared to similar agency (do we have one?) where I came from (IN***), they are pretty awesome!


I can understand. I had the situation where they sent my wife's RFEs to a mixed up address (literally - a perfect combination of old & new address : ) This was despite L1s and L2s reading off the correct address on the phone when I had inquired earlier. It didn't matter for the RFE itself as we responded to the copy sent to the lawyer. But, when the RFE sent to our mixed-up address got returned by USPS after 3 weeks, they re-sent the RFE again and changed our status from RFER back to RFE! This 2nd RFE was also presumably sent to the wrong address again, as we didn't get it even the second time around.

Long calls to L2 has apparently ensured that they acknowledged our status is RFER, and they changed status from RFE to IR.

Still a bit anxious, let's see how this pans out. The level of incompetence you see makes you wonder if their bonuses are tied to how stupid they can be : )

[shekhar_kuruk]

I am getting ready to reply to my spouse's RFE, the lawyer is getting ready to reply to my RFE. Can I go ahead and send her reply before the lawyer sends mine? I am the primary applicant.
I think I should be ok, but if some body can confirm this, that would be great. Thanks

[vizcard]

I am getting ready to reply to my spouse's RFE, the lawyer is getting ready to reply to my RFE. Can I go ahead and send her reply before the lawyer sends mine? I am the primary applicant.
I think I should be ok, but if some body can confirm this, that would be great. Thanks

Perfectly fine. Just put the bar coded cover sheet that came with her RFE and you are good to go.

[GCHopes]

Thanks Helpful_Leo & VizCard for your replies!

Exactly, the level of incompetency is just mind boggling! I attempted to send a letter to my local congress, and they requested i get an approval from my current firm that i was working at. Since i switched jobs last year, and didn't file AC21 until it was necessary (to let the visa process work out without any more flags) - i was not able to get them all the necessary documentation - so they can send the request to USCIS!

It's been a very frustrating ride so far since July! Anyone here know of cases where Medicals from 2012 were considered, and weren't issued any RFE's? If there was no such case i should forget about my GC this year, and focus on getting AC21, and other activities started instead since my EAD will be expiring in 2015!

Thanks again for all your help!

[helpful_leo]

It's been a very frustrating ride so far since July! Anyone here know of cases where Medicals from 2012 were considered, and weren't issued any RFE's? If there was no such case i should forget about my GC this year, and focus on getting AC21, and other activities started instead since my EAD will be expiring in 2015!


I am not be the competent authority on this but I think the answer, unfortunately, is no. I follow trackitt pretty closely and my sense is nobody there has been approved with a >1 year old medical. It would be a good idea to search trackitt for "expired medicals" or something - there may be some threads or posts I have missed.

I think sportsfan here will have a better sense as he was waiting for his RFEs the longest time and will have researched the issue better.

[RMS_V13]

So i got a 2nd set of CPO emails today ... now they really want to give me GCs :)

any idea what this means or if that is just an oversight ?

Oh nice. Congratulations. You will get CPO, then Decision then CPO and then Decision.

In all 2 welcome notices. When you get the first welcome notice delivered, you will get 2nd CPo with tracking number and then another welcome notice. I really did not bother reading the second welcome notice lol

[imdeng]

Spec has been keeping count on his trackitt data page and IIRC the data shows that there has not been any approvals with an expired medical.

I am not be the competent authority on this but I think the answer, unfortunately, is no. I follow trackitt pretty closely and my sense is nobody there has been approved with a >1 year old medical. It would be a good idea to search trackitt for "expired medicals" or something - there may be some threads or posts I have missed.

I think sportsfan here will have a better sense as he was waiting for his RFEs the longest time and will have researched the issue better.

[la_2002_ch]

We were in similar situation as yours. Our RFEs were issued on Jun 5th 2014 and while my wife's RFE letter reached the attorney on Jun 13th, there was no sign of my RFE letter. After constant follow-ups and requests they sent two more letters which neither me nor the attorney received. Then on Jul 3rd (to ruin my long weekend) they updated that my RFE letters have been returned un-delivered (despite the fact that both L1 and L2 confirmed the correct address for me as well as attorney). On Jul 7th the L2 submitted a request to re-send the letter to the specific addresses mentioned and finally on Jul 14th the attorney received it. There is still no sign of a letter at my address.

Contact your Senator/Congressman and see if they can help!


Thanks Helpful_Leo & VizCard for your replies!

Exactly, the level of incompetency is just mind boggling! I attempted to send a letter to my local congress, and they requested i get an approval from my current firm that i was working at. Since i switched jobs last year, and didn't file AC21 until it was necessary (to let the visa process work out without any more flags) - i was not able to get them all the necessary documentation - so they can send the request to USCIS!

It's been a very frustrating ride so far since July! Anyone here know of cases where Medicals from 2012 were considered, and weren't issued any RFE's? If there was no such case i should forget about my GC this year, and focus on getting AC21, and other activities started instead since my EAD will be expiring in 2015!

Thanks again for all your help!

[edisonguy]

Is the concept of officer ID true ? Give me logical reason if you believe so.

[helpful_leo]

Is the concept of officer ID true ? Give me logical reason if you believe so.

I have wondered about this myself. I saw a post on trackitt that a InfoPass officer told somebody that it is NOT officer id but stands for "exemption #" or something.

Not sure myself.

[helpful_leo]

We were in similar situation as yours. Our RFEs were issued on Jun 5th 2014 and while my wife's RFE letter reached the attorney on Jun 13th, there was no sign of my RFE letter. After constant follow-ups and requests they sent two more letters which neither me nor the attorney received. Then on Jul 3rd (to ruin my long weekend) they updated that my RFE letters have been returned un-delivered (despite the fact that both L1 and L2 confirmed the correct address for me as well as attorney). On Jul 7th the L2 submitted a request to re-send the letter to the specific addresses mentioned and finally on Jul 14th the attorney received it. There is still no sign of a letter at my address.

Contact your Senator/Congressman and see if they can help!

That is similar to my situation (except the letters reached my attorney on time, so we were able to respond to RFE on time).

We too didn't get the 2nd RFE letter (which the attorney got again) and were worried that when the letter is returned, our status will got back to RFE. But it is almost 6 weeks since it was sent and we are less worried about that now.

Btw, what is your RFER date and your current status?

[vizcard]

Ignore any emails or updates except for the one which has card USPS Tracking number :D! We received 3 welcome letters and then the card in hand within 1 week of CPO Email.

Ramaka- How long after the CPO emails did you ge the tracking numbers?

[ramaka02]

6 days, Viz.

12AUG-CPO Email/SMS
18AUG-CPO Mailed with USPS Tracking
19AUG-Card received.


Ramaka- How long after the CPO emails did you ge the tracking numbers?

[la_2002_ch]

My RFERR was Jul 23rd. Just posted in the other thread about my CPO mail today.


That is similar to my situation (except the letters reached my attorney on time, so we were able to respond to RFE on time).

We too didn't get the 2nd RFE letter (which the attorney got again) and were worried that when the letter is returned, our status will got back to RFE. But it is almost 6 weeks since it was sent and we are less worried about that now.

Btw, what is your RFER date and your current status?

[dreamer]

Hi la_2002_ch,

I have same exact priority date as you 09/29/2008 with NSC, me and my wife have got Medical RFE's on Jun 3rd, we responded to RFE's and got RFER on July 3rd. I am still waiting after opening SR for about a week, is there anything you did like approaching senator/congressman to expedite your case?

Thanks for your time.


My RFERR was Jul 23rd. Just posted in the other thread about my CPO mail today.

[dreamer]

Never mind, I just got an email this morning with status update as card production for me and my wife.


Hi la_2002_ch,

I have same exact priority date as you 09/29/2008 with NSC, me and my wife have got Medical RFE's on Jun 3rd, we responded to RFE's and got RFER on July 3rd. I am still waiting after opening SR for about a week, is there anything you did like approaching senator/congressman to expedite your case?

Thanks for your time.

[la_2002_ch]

I didn't do anything specific. Was planning to wait till Sep 2nd to contact the Congressman. I had infact taken an Infopass appointment for today, Aug 28th.

I think (I maybe wrong) what helped was the filing for EAD renewal. The PHX lock box received my papers on Friday and on Tuesday evening I received the text about the acceptance of the renewal alongwith the Receipt number and stating that my case is being forwarded to NSC for future actions and on Wednesday Morning I received the approval on my GC. Maybe the EAD renewal application reminded them of my pending application... :)


Hi la_2002_ch,

I have same exact priority date as you 09/29/2008 with NSC, me and my wife have got Medical RFE's on Jun 3rd, we responded to RFE's and got RFER on July 3rd. I am still waiting after opening SR for about a week, is there anything you did like approaching senator/congressman to expedite your case?

Thanks for your time.

[la_2002_ch]

Congrats!!


never mind, i just got an email this morning with status update as card production for me and my wife.

[dreamer]

Thank you!!


Congrats!!

[GCHopes]

Effing Amazing!!!

So update, i apparently had a RFE on my account since May 2014!!! That the SR in July never picked up, figured out or mentioned anything!!!!! These idiots have their shit messed up! My advice to anyone who is still waiting!! Call-in and demand for Level 2 and RFE!!!!!

[vizcard]

Effing Amazing!!!

So update, i apparently had a RFE on my account since May 2014!!! That the SR in July never picked up, figured out or mentioned anything!!!!! These idiots have their shit messed up! My advice to anyone who is still waiting!! Call-in and demand for Level 2 and RFE!!!!!

Also contact the USCIS ombudsman. This is totally their domain.

[helpful_leo]

Effing Amazing!!!

So update, i apparently had a RFE on my account since May 2014!!! That the SR in July never picked up, figured out or mentioned anything!!!!! These idiots have their shit messed up! My advice to anyone who is still waiting!! Call-in and demand for Level 2 and RFE!!!!!

This is shocking and I feel for you - yet so typical of USCIS! I am not surprised by degrees of their incompetence anymore.

If they do not have the systems & processes to competently re-send a document to a correct address when they have been informed of the address error multiple times- then they can mess up anything.

May be it all sorts out in the end when you get the card, but the ride is so frustrating and nerve wracking!

[la_2002_ch]

Effing Amazing!!!

So update, i apparently had a RFE on my account since May 2014!!! That the SR in July never picked up, figured out or mentioned anything!!!!! These idiots have their shit messed up! My advice to anyone who is still waiting!! Call-in and demand for Level 2 and RFE!!!!!


This is shocking and I feel for you - yet so typical of USCIS! I am not surprised by degrees of their incompetence anymore.

If they do not have the systems & processes to competently re-send a document to a correct address when they have been informed of the address error multiple times- then they can mess up anything.

May be it all sorts out in the end when you get the card, but the ride is so frustrating and nerve wracking!

I totally agree with helpful_leo.... they can't even send a piece of paper to the "correct" address thats in their system (and which they verify multiple times) and then potray its our fault, if the document is un-delivered. I guess in your case they never even sent out the document as it was not sent back by USPS.

Think about taking legal action and be aggressive.......

[wolverine82]

Gurus,

Should I go ahead and submit Congressman inquiry and raise a SR for my spouse as it has been 63 days since RFE and my SR reply stated 30 days(which looks more like boiler plate response) and long weekend will add 3 more days and once September comes in more folks will join the approval queue.

Just don't want to jeopardize my case by performing these steps as i kept hearing various theories!!

[vizcard]

Folks
I got the "cards mailed" email but no tracking #s. Is there some place to look for these or us it a separate email?

[aug152008]

Folks
I got the "cards mailed" email but no tracking #s. Is there some place to look for these or us it a separate email?

You could look up the case status on the uscis website , that will have the tracking number ..clicking on that will actually take you to usps.. It's comes as USPS priority mail 2nd day delivery .. In my case got email on a Thursday and card on Saturday ...

[vizcard]

You could look up the case status on the uscis website , that will have the tracking number ..clicking on that will actually take you to usps.. It's comes as USPS priority mail 2nd day delivery .. In my case got email on a Thursday and card on Saturday ...

It's not on the website. But perhaps it's not been updated in the system coz of the weekend.

[la_2002_ch]

Folks
I got the "cards mailed" email but no tracking #s. Is there some place to look for these or us it a separate email?

I also got the cards mailed email without the tracking number on Sat and its not present on the website as well. I am thinking the same that this was just a batch update mail, and probably they will actually mail the cards on Tuesday and assign the tracking number then.

[la_2002_ch]

Gurus,

Should I go ahead and submit Congressman inquiry and raise a SR for my spouse as it has been 63 days since RFE and my SR reply stated 30 days(which looks more like boiler plate response) and long weekend will add 3 more days and once September comes in more folks will join the approval queue.

Just don't want to jeopardize my case by performing these steps as i kept hearing various theories!!

Yes, since 63 days is beyond their 60 day response time, I would suggest contacting your congressman.

[GreenDream]

How do you contact the Ombudsman? I have doubt this whole SR thingy is gonna help me at all. I am expecting some generic boiler plate response. Guys, I received the following email. Does it mean my GC has been approved?

Card/ Document Production

On August 30, 2014, we ordered production of your new card. Please allow 30 days for your card to be mailed to you. If we need something from you we will contact you. If you move before you receive the card, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283.

This step applies to applications that result in an applicant receiving a card (such as a "green card") or other document (such as a naturalization certificate, employment authorization document, travel document, or advance parole). Applications will be in this step from the time the order to produce the card/document is given until the card/document is produced and mailed to the applicant. You can expect to receive your card/document within 30 days of the approval of your application.

[vizcard]

Guys, I received the following email. Does it mean my GC has been approved?

Card/ Document Production

On August 30, 2014, we ordered production of your new card. Please allow 30 days for your card to be mailed to you. If we need something from you we will contact you. If you move before you receive the card, call customer service at 1-800-375-5283.

This step applies to applications that result in an applicant receiving a card (such as a "green card") or other document (such as a naturalization certificate, employment authorization document, travel document, or advance parole). Applications will be in this step from the time the order to produce the card/document is given until the card/document is produced and mailed to the applicant. You can expect to receive your card/document within 30 days of the approval of your application.

Yes. Congrats.

[helpful_leo]

We were in similar situation as yours. Our RFEs were issued on Jun 5th 2014 and while my wife's RFE letter reached the attorney on Jun 13th, there was no sign of my RFE letter. After constant follow-ups and requests they sent two more letters which neither me nor the attorney received. Then on Jul 3rd (to ruin my long weekend) they updated that my RFE letters have been returned un-delivered (despite the fact that both L1 and L2 confirmed the correct address for me as well as attorney). On Jul 7th the L2 submitted a request to re-send the letter to the specific addresses mentioned and finally on Jul 14th the attorney received it. There is still no sign of a letter at my address.

Contact your Senator/Congressman and see if they can help!

It is probably not time for you to have received the physical cards, but what are you doing / have done to confirm they will deliver cards to your correct mailing address?

I tried calling them but now the L1 says they cannot confirm address on phone due to privacy issues and will not connect to L2 because they are "overwhelmed with calls". She asked me to get an InfoPass appointment to confirm address!

Although this is not as big an issue as getting approved, we have some travel in a couple of months and I was reading of some cases that get the runaround with mis-addressed GCs. It seems it can take a couple of months to get a duplicate issued, besides costing us $450 per card to make up for their error!

[la_2002_ch]

They managed to mail the approval notices to the "correct" address on their file. I received an email that my cards were shipped on Saturday and I am hoping the physical cards would be sent to the correct address as well.

If I don't get the cards by this weekend, I am planning to take an Infopass appointment to get the passport stamped for the same(there is an option for the same). I believe it serves the same purpose as the physical card for travel as well at the SSA office (to update the SSN cards).


It is probably not time for you to have received the physical cards, but what are you doing / have done to confirm they will deliver cards to your correct mailing address?

I tried calling them but now the L1 says they cannot confirm address on phone due to privacy issues and will not connect to L2 because they are "overwhelmed with calls". She asked me to get an InfoPass appointment to confirm address!

Although this is not as big an issue as getting approved, we have some travel in a couple of months and I was reading of some cases that get the runaround with mis-addressed GCs. It seems it can take a couple of months to get a duplicate issued, besides costing us $450 per card to make up for their error!

[hulimari]

Hi All,

I have a FEB09 TSC date and I had submitted an AR-11 (address change ) request on Aug 12th. While my wife's online status reflects the address change request mine doesn't. We both did receive the acknowledgements by mail though
When I called USCIS to confirm th, the lady entered an SR for me saying my I-485 is outside the normal processing time. Now my RFERR was July 16 and I asked her is it OK to submit SR. She said it is, and went ahead.
Do you think the address change and/or the SR would cause more harm than help? Anything else I can do to correct it.

[helpful_leo]

They managed to mail the approval notices to the "correct" address on their file. I received an email that my cards were shipped on Saturday and I am hoping the physical cards would be sent to the correct address as well.

If I don't get the cards by this weekend, I am planning to take an Infopass appointment to get the passport stamped for the same(there is an option for the same). I believe it serves the same purpose as the physical card for travel as well at the SSA office (to update the SSN cards).

Ok, thanks.

I am also hoping they will get the address right this time around.

[hulimari]

Thanks Sportsfan



I read on trackitt that someone whose date became current in September created an SR because of this 60 day thingy. But the thing is that the person was never current before September! Clearly, such SRs should never have been created. I am not sure how I would react. At my best, I would get annoyed.

If you have seen the approval pattern, TSC is still clearing the August backlog and there are plenty of folks who are still waiting. Sure, some September approvals will start showing up but I would advise you to wait for your approval at least for a week. Expect the TSC to work on August cases this week.

I would not have created the SR. Address change though is recommended if you have changed address and do not have access to previous mailbox.

[helpful_leo]

To folks who got CPO e-mails:

I have been reading that the status changes to and fro between CPO and Decision within a day or 2 after the CPO e-mail.
I received CPO texts and e-mails around Saturday noon, but there have been no further updates to my status since then.

I had thought I would chill after the CPO e-mails till I get the cards in hand and not worry about minor updates - but then I just read about this guy on trackitt who has been stuck in Extended Review for 2 years after getting CPO e-mail! (but his status did not progress to Decision afterwards)

[vizcard]

To folks who got CPO e-mails:

I have been reading that the status changes to and fro between CPO and Decision within a day or 2 after the CPO e-mail.
I received CPO texts and e-mails around Saturday noon, but there have been no further updates to my status since then.

I had thought I would chill after the CPO e-mails till I get the cards in hand and not worry about minor updates - but then I just read about this guy on trackitt who has been stuck in Extended Review for 2 years after getting CPO e-mail! (but his status did not progress to Decision afterwards)

It was a long weekend. So things could update in the next few days. In any case, don't let the exception dictate your emotions. There are thousands of cases on trackitt that don't involve extended reviews, etc.

Also, the only "twist" I've read about recently is needing to do biometrics again. You would still approved but they need an updated set of biometrics on file.

[helpful_leo]

It was a long weekend. So things could update in the next few days. In any case, don't let the exception dictate your emotions. There are thousands of cases on trackitt that don't involve extended reviews, etc.

Also, the only "twist" I've read about recently is needing to do biometrics again. You would still approved but they need an updated set of biometrics on file.

Thanks. I am also thinking it is a lag because of the long weekend. In that guy's case, he was later told by L2 it was a system glitch and he actually was *not* approved!
Haven't heard much about such cases, so assuming that was very rare.

Reg. repeat biometrics - I'd seen someone link recently to an article that stated that those e-mails were a system glitch!
With so many system glitches, it is hard to sort out the real from the glitch!

[la_2002_ch]

It is probably not time for you to have received the physical cards, but what are you doing / have done to confirm they will deliver cards to your correct mailing address?

I tried calling them but now the L1 says they cannot confirm address on phone due to privacy issues and will not connect to L2 because they are "overwhelmed with calls". She asked me to get an InfoPass appointment to confirm address!

Although this is not as big an issue as getting approved, we have some travel in a couple of months and I was reading of some cases that get the runaround with mis-addressed GCs. It seems it can take a couple of months to get a duplicate issued, besides costing us $450 per card to make up for their error!

So, I called this evening to get my tracking number, since the Card mailed mail didn't have any. Based on the tracking number my cards are supposed to be delivered tomorrow to some address in NY. Thats definitely not my address (I am in Missouri), so I am hoping its the attorney's address and not some weird made up address.

[la_2002_ch]

Just relax and enjoy!!! its definitely due to the long weekend. I am sure you will get the decision mail either in tonight's batch update or tomorrow morning.


Thanks. I am also thinking it is a lag because of the long weekend. In that guy's case, he was later told by L2 it was a system glitch and he actually was *not* approved!
Haven't heard much about such cases, so assuming that was very rare.

Reg. repeat biometrics - I'd seen someone link recently to an article that stated that those e-mails were a system glitch!
With so many system glitches, it is hard to sort out the real from the glitch!

[helpful_leo]

So, I called this evening to get my tracking number, since the Card mailed mail didn't have any. Based on the tracking number my cards are supposed to be delivered tomorrow to some address in NY. Thats definitely not my address (I am in Missouri), so I am hoping its the attorney's address and not some weird made up address.

That doesn't sound very encouraging - I am not sure of this but I think the card is mailed only to the applicant and not lawyer.
My wife's case will likely do the same.

Hope I am wrong about this. The good news however is, even if there is some delay with receiving the physical card, you / we are approved!

Btw, our status did progress to Decision yesterday evening.

[vizcard]

That doesn't sound very encouraging - I am not sure of this but I think the card is mailed only to the applicant and not lawyer.
My wife's case will likely do the same.

Hope I am wrong about this. The good news however is, even if there is some delay with receiving the physical card, you / we are approved!

Btw, our status did progress to Decision yesterday evening.

I wouldn't worry about it. Every time i call USCIS Service Center, they think I have filed for naturalization based on the prompts I select.. Not sure how they get to that but whatever. They told me that my cards were mailed out on Friday and were probably picked up by the postal service on Saturday. They will probably get processed yesterday/today and I should get tracking numbers this evening or tomorrow. Not sure if this is BS or not .. just what they told me.

UPDATE: Got the cards today and later on in the evening got a case update saying "USPS says cards delivered" (paraphrasing)

[la_2002_ch]

That doesn't sound very encouraging - I am not sure of this but I think the card is mailed only to the applicant and not lawyer.
My wife's case will likely do the same.

Hope I am wrong about this. The good news however is, even if there is some delay with receiving the physical card, you / we are approved!

Btw, our status did progress to Decision yesterday evening.

So I had called on Tuesday to get my tracking numbers. The L2 gave us our tracking numbers and told the cards had been mailed to the address on file (he didn't verify the address). He did mention for my case that the cards are supposed to be delivered in NY on Wednesday. I assumed that was my attorney's address and didn't pay much attention, as we did get the approval notices at our home address on Saturday.

So I asked my attorney to ship the cards to us as soon as he gets them.

Now comes a Bollywood twist!!!!

As per USPS site, the shipment for my wife's tracking number has been delivered in Nashville, TN and the shipment with my tracking number has been delivered to NY. I don't know anyone in TN and have never been there, also the attorney didn't receive the cards, so we don't know to which address were they delivered.

I thought maybe I made a mistake while noting the tracking numbers so was planning to call USCIS again today. In the meantime, early this Morning I got another Decision mail stating that the permanent resident status has been registered for us and the approval notices have been mailed today (Sep 4th).

When I call the USCIS, L1 won't let me talk to L2 and she keeps on saying that I would get the cards within 60 days from today and I need to wait that long for them (the standard verbiage from the Decision status).

Anyone has any suggestions?

The local USCIS office is closed from today for a week, as they are moving to a new location. So I am planning to take an appointment for Sep 12th to go get my passports stamped. Anything else I can do, except for singing the song "Main Royun ya Hasun, Karun main kya karun" (should i cry or laugh, hard to decide) on this USCIS super efficiency.

[helpful_leo]

So I had called on Tuesday to get my tracking numbers. The L2 gave us our tracking numbers and told the cards had been mailed to the address on file (he didn't verify the address). He did mention for my case that the cards are supposed to be delivered in NY on Wednesday. I assumed that was my attorney's address and didn't pay much attention, as we did get the approval notices at our home address on Saturday.

So I asked my attorney to ship the cards to us as soon as he gets them.

Now comes a Bollywood twist!!!!

As per USPS site, the shipment for my wife's tracking number has been delivered in Nashville, TN and the shipment with my tracking number has been delivered to NY. I don't know anyone in TN and have never been there, also the attorney didn't receive the cards, so we don't know to which address were they delivered.

I thought maybe I made a mistake while noting the tracking numbers so was planning to call USCIS again today. In the meantime, early this Morning I got another Decision mail stating that the permanent resident status has been registered for us and the approval notices have been mailed today (Sep 4th).

When I call the USCIS, L1 won't let me talk to L2 and she keeps on saying that I would get the cards within 60 days from today and I need to wait that long for them (the standard verbiage from the Decision status).

Anyone has any suggestions?

The local USCIS office is closed from today for a week, as they are moving to a new location. So I am planning to take an appointment for Sep 12th to go get my passports stamped. Anything else I can do, except for singing the song "Main Royun ya Hasun, Karun main kya karun" (should i cry or laugh, hard to decide) on this USCIS super efficiency.

That was what I was worried about. I wish it was different. They have 2 different systems which apparently do not talk to each other, the L1/L2/customer-facing one has the right address (and this is where unimportant letters like SR response, notices & others are mailed), and another one with the actual IO / processing office, which the L1 / L2 cannot see (and therefore we cannot correct) - and this is where important stuff like RFEs - and GCs - seem to be mailed to. For most people, these are the same, for some of us, they are not : (

I guess InfoPass and PP stamping is the way to go. I think you should call the L2 at some point and tell them about the fiasco, so at least you will not be charged for the issue of duplicates, which I read somewhere is $450 per card. My experience is you will have to explain the situation very carefully to the L2 as otherwise they tend to quickly assume some standard situation (so they can give their standard response). Especially tell them that you have received the notices at the right address but that the GC (and RFEs) are somehow being sent to another, wrong address.

Good luck!

[helpful_leo]

It seems my wife's card is being shipped to the right address after all- at least per the L2 it is. The tracking # at present is only showing pre-shipment info, and no To address.

If the L2 is right, our multiple calls after the 2nd mis-posted RFE seems to have corrected the wrong address on their other system, which our earlier several calls did not seem to do.

[RMS_V13]

Any updates sportsfan

[GCHopes]

Thanks Guys for the suggestions and the empathy for my case! I'm absolutely looking to pursue all avenues/channels i can and try to fight this as much as i can! They've really messed my case up in a big way. Hopefully it will all work out soon. I've been calling them non-stop (every other day) and i've not yet got my RFE. On Friday, i finally was able to convince them to Fax me my RFE, and have not yet recieved it yet but am hopefully will do by tomorrow (Monday).

Have a quick question for the Gurus. Looks like my lawyer is not moving ahead until he gets the RFE with him, but i am looking to prepare as much documentation as possible so we can reply back the same day. I'd switched jobs 9 months after i got my EAD (qualify for 180 days). For my possible EVL on my RFE, do i need to reach out to my old company as well? or just my Employment verification of my current company suffice?

Thanks for your input.

[imdeng]

For plain EVL, the current job is sufficient. However, some folks were asked for continuous employment history - that would need either EVL or other documentation from your previous company. Depends on the wording of the RFE and you don't have that yet. How frustrating it must be!

Thanks Guys for the suggestions and the empathy for my case! I'm absolutely looking to pursue all avenues/channels i can and try to fight this as much as i can! They've really messed my case up in a big way. Hopefully it will all work out soon. I've been calling them non-stop (every other day) and i've not yet got my RFE. On Friday, i finally was able to convince them to Fax me my RFE, and have not yet recieved it yet but am hopefully will do by tomorrow (Monday).

Have a quick question for the Gurus. Looks like my lawyer is not moving ahead until he gets the RFE with him, but i am looking to prepare as much documentation as possible so we can reply back the same day. I'd switched jobs 9 months after i got my EAD (qualify for 180 days). For my possible EVL on my RFE, do i need to reach out to my old company as well? or just my Employment verification of my current company suffice?

Thanks for your input.

[vizcard]

For plain EVL, the current job is sufficient. However, some folks were asked for continuous employment history - that would need either EVL or other documentation from your previous company. Depends on the wording of the RFE and you don't have that yet. How frustrating it must be!

imdeng - the RFE is not for continuous employment history. Its for "continuous work authorization". So a copy of a valid H1B and/or EAD is sufficient.

[vizcard]

Thanks Guys for the suggestions and the empathy for my case! I'm absolutely looking to pursue all avenues/channels i can and try to fight this as much as i can! They've really messed my case up in a big way. Hopefully it will all work out soon. I've been calling them non-stop (every other day) and i've not yet got my RFE. On Friday, i finally was able to convince them to Fax me my RFE, and have not yet recieved it yet but am hopefully will do by tomorrow (Monday).

Have a quick question for the Gurus. Looks like my lawyer is not moving ahead until he gets the RFE with him, but i am looking to prepare as much documentation as possible so we can reply back the same day. I'd switched jobs 9 months after i got my EAD (qualify for 180 days). For my possible EVL on my RFE, do i need to reach out to my old company as well? or just my Employment verification of my current company suffice?

Thanks for your input.

Id get an EVL from your current company stating responsibilities, title and salary. Also, keep copies of your EAD cards ready (from when you applied for your 485 to now). Lastly, I'm assuming the medicals may also be needed. So have a complete, updated 693 ready to go.

[GCHopes]

Thanks Gurus for your valuable input!!

@imdeng - Yes, it's soo damn frustrating! Plus you are left completely helpless at their mercy! I am hoping they will fax it today, or i'll have to call in again!

@vizcard - Thanks. Yes, i've the medical ready already and ready to go. I didn't want to reach out to my old company since that would just add more time to my response back! I'd the templates/letters for AC21, and EVL ready to go as well. Will just need the lawyer to review them, and mail them for the most part! Hope he's able to do it today itself. If i end up having to reach out to the old company then i've no idea how much more time this will add!! Eagerly waiting to read the text on the RFE! Looks like that's what really will drive this forward.

Can someone who had to file for EVL, and AC21 together shed some light on the RFE they just received from TSC? Was it for continuous employment, or continuous authorization?

Thanks,

[la_2002_ch]

Mine was NSC and I submitted my AC21 along with RFE response (though I had changed the jobs on EAD back in Nov 2012), and they had asked for continuous authorization. My attorney included the copied of the EADs and to be on the safer side, included a copy of the relieving letter from the old company (that showed the last date of employment with them) and then on EVL form current company she asked specifically that the joining date be mentioned.


Thanks Gurus for your valuable input!!

@imdeng - Yes, it's soo damn frustrating! Plus you are left completely helpless at their mercy! I am hoping they will fax it today, or i'll have to call in again!

@vizcard - Thanks. Yes, i've the medical ready already and ready to go. I didn't want to reach out to my old company since that would just add more time to my response back! I'd the templates/letters for AC21, and EVL ready to go as well. Will just need the lawyer to review them, and mail them for the most part! Hope he's able to do it today itself. If i end up having to reach out to the old company then i've no idea how much more time this will add!! Eagerly waiting to read the text on the RFE! Looks like that's what really will drive this forward.

Can someone who had to file for EVL, and AC21 together shed some light on the RFE they just received from TSC? Was it for continuous employment, or continuous authorization?

Thanks,

[la_2002_ch]

It seems my wife's card is being shipped to the right address after all- at least per the L2 it is. The tracking # at present is only showing pre-shipment info, and no To address.

If the L2 is right, our multiple calls after the 2nd mis-posted RFE seems to have corrected the wrong address on their other system, which our earlier several calls did not seem to do.

I have atleast 1 packet (hopefully containing cards) from USCIS which is out for delivery today in my city (I am hoping its for my address. :)).

Otherwise I have the appointments scheduled for Wednesday to get our passports stamped and will then worry about getting physical cards in Oct, when USCIS is not so busy with approvals and RFE responses.

[helpful_leo]

I have atleast 1 packet (hopefully containing cards) from USCIS which is out for delivery today in my city (I am hoping its for my address. :)).

Otherwise I have the appointments scheduled for Wednesday to get our passports stamped and will then worry about getting physical cards in Oct, when USCIS is not so busy with approvals and RFE responses.

Good luck!

We got our cards on Saturday itself, exactly a week after getting the first CPO mails. Before approval, I had thought I only cared for approval / CPO mails - and was myself quite surprised to be checking USPS tracking site every hour till they were actually delivered!

I think the multi-year randomness / uncertainty trauma of the entire GC process has given all of us PTSD - hopefully, the recovery starts now :-)

[la_2002_ch]

Got the card for wife today in mail... no sign for my card. :)

Apparently, the tracking # given by L2 for the wife's case was wrong (or maybe she wrote it down wrong, as the last 5 digits were jumbled). Apparently, her cards were sitting at the local USPS sorting facility since Sep 3rd.

Well now enjoy the next 4 years and 9 months phase of life when you don't have to deal with/wait for USCIS goof-ups.


Good luck!

We got our cards on Saturday itself, exactly a week after getting the first CPO mails. Before approval, I had thought I only cared for approval / CPO mails - and was myself quite surprised to be checking USPS tracking site every hour till they were actually delivered!

I think the multi-year randomness / uncertainty trauma of the entire GC process has given all of us PTSD - hopefully, the recovery starts now :-)

[ravn from blah]

Thanks Gurus for your valuable input!!

@imdeng - Yes, it's soo damn frustrating! Plus you are left completely helpless at their mercy! I am hoping they will fax it today, or i'll have to call in again!

@vizcard - Thanks. Yes, i've the medical ready already and ready to go. I didn't want to reach out to my old company since that would just add more time to my response back! I'd the templates/letters for AC21, and EVL ready to go as well. Will just need the lawyer to review them, and mail them for the most part! Hope he's able to do it today itself. If i end up having to reach out to the old company then i've no idea how much more time this will add!! Eagerly waiting to read the text on the RFE! Looks like that's what really will drive this forward.

Can someone who had to file for EVL, and AC21 together shed some light on the RFE they just received from TSC? Was it for continuous employment, or continuous authorization?

Thanks,

Did you contact the Ombudsman and a Congressman?
Did you discuss legal options, such as filing a suit against USCIS, with your attorney?

The RFE asks for "continuous employment authorization". You should submit copies of current EAD and all past EADs that you received.

I submitted the following documents

Letter explaining that AC 21 can be applied in my case. The letter has the past and current descriptions. In my case the roles and responsibilities are quite different but broadly similar. Make sure that at least 1/3rd of the descriptions overlap.


Letter from my current employer (with the details requested in the RFE letter below)


Copies of EADs, current and all past


Most recent I-94 from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html


Any H-1B renewal notices - none in my case


Sealed I-693 from a Designated Civil Surgeon

Content of the RFE letter is below
Your Employment-Based (EB) Form 1-485 adjustment application remains pending at this office.
USCIS policy requires a determination of continued eligibility on previously pre-adjudicated EB
adjustment applications. See Chapter 23.5 (f)(4) of the Adjudicator' s Field Manual (AFM).
Continued eligibility means the Principal Applicant has a valid offer of employment from the time the
priority date is established until the issuance of an immigrant visa in any EB visa category requiring a
job offer. Please submit the following to show your continued eligibility:

Submit a currently dated letter from your petitioning (Form 1-140) employer, verifying your
employment with them and whether their job offer continues to exist. The new job offer letter must
describe your current position and duties, the job title and duties of the offered position (if different
from your current one), the date you began employment and the salary or wage paid. This letter
should be on company letterhead and signed, in the original, by a person authorized to make or
confirm an offer of permanent employment.

Important: if you are no longer working for your original Form 1-140 petitioner, submit a written
explanation for the change. You may also submit evidence to show you remain eligible to adjust
through visa portability under section 2040) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). INA
2040) job portability applies if your Form 1-485 has been pending for more than 180 days AND your
new intended permanent employment is the same as, or similar to, the original Form 1-140 position.
To seek portability, you must submit a currently dated letter from your NEW employer, verifying your
employment with them and describing the offered position. As above, this letter must describe your
current job title and duties, the position offered (if different from your current one), the date you began
employment and the offered salary or wage. The letter should be on company letterhead and signed in
the original as described above.

Please submit proof of your continuous employment authorization in the U.S. from the date you filed
your Form 1-485 to the present. Such evidence may include copies of:

• Employment Authorization Documents (EADs, Forms 1-688 or 1-766) granted to you by USCIS
• Form 1-797 approval notices, showing you were granted status in an employment-authorized nonimmigrant status, or
• Copies of Form 1-94 Arrival/Departure Records showing you were admitted to the U.S. in an
employment-authorized nonimmigrant status.

Form 1-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, is normally valid for a period of
one year from the date it is signed by a designated civil surgeon. Current USCIS policy provides that,
in certain cases, a Form 1-693 that exceeds this validity period is acceptable. This policy, however,
will expire on May 31,2014. See USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 8, Part B, Chapter 4(C)(4).

The Form 1-693 that you submitted in support of your Form 1-485, Application to Register Permanent
Residence or Adjust Status, is no longer valid or is about to exceed its validity period. Please submit
a new Form 1-693 completed by a designated civil surgeon to this office together with a copy of this
notice. Including a copy of this notice with your Form 1-693 will facilitate matching the medical
report with your file. A list of designated civil surgeons can be obtained by calling the USCIS
National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283, or via the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov .

This office will not be able to take further action on your case until all required documentation has
been received, including a new medical report, and a visa number has become available to you, as
determined by the U.S. Department of State. USCIS periodically reviews pending adjustment
applications in anticipation of visa numbers becoming available and to address medicals, security
checks or other required items subject to expiration.

IMPORTANT: This request is being made to establish your continued eligibility and in anticipation
of an immigrant visa. However, a final decision may not be made until an immigrant visa becomes
available to you. The monthly Department of State Visa Bulletin is posted online at
http://travel.state.gov/visa/bulletin/bulletin_1360.html. In addition to the requested items, inform this
office promptly if any of the following changes apply to your case:

• You or your representative have a new mailing address
• You or any of your dependents have changed marital status since filing Form 1-485
• You or any of your dependents no longer wish to adjust status or have departed the U.S.
indefinitely.

You must submit the requested information within eighty-four (84) days from the date of this letter (87
days if this notice was received by mail). Failure to do so may result in the denial of your application.

Please note the required deadline for providing a response to this Request for Evidence. The deadline
reflects the maximum period for responding to this RFE. However, since many immigration benefits
are time sensitive, you are encouraged to respond to this request as early as possible but no later than
the date provided on the request.

[GreenDream]

Guys,

I need your suggestions here. My GC was approved recently and yesterday, I receieved my Green Card. Upon receipt, I notice that that there is an error on the card. In the "Permanent Resident Since" info is incorrect. Incorrectly it says Permanent Residence Since Dec 2008, which is my priority date. The Green Card expiration correctly says August 2014. What should I do? I am thinking while the error does not impact my approval, I should get it replaced with I-90.

[qesehmk]

Guys,

I need your suggestions here. My GC was approved recently and yesterday, I receieved my Green Card. Upon receipt, I notice that that there is an error on the card. In the "Permanent Resident Since" info is incorrect. Incorrectly it says Permanent Residence Since Dec 2008, which is my priority date. The Green Card expiration correctly says August 2014. What should I do? I am thinking while the error does not impact my approval, I should get it replaced with I-90.
Yes you should. The expiration also seems wrong. It should be Aug 2024.

[GreenDream]

Yes you should. The expiration also seems wrong. It should be Aug 2024. Sorry my mistake in typing. The expiration does say August 2024. I have received the welcome notice earlier too which has all the information correct. Does anyone has experience in how long I-90 form processing is taking these days?

I want to send documents to my parents for their visa stamping. Is it okay to send a copy of this Green Card or should I wait for the GC replacement to arrive? I have my H1B papers but was hoping to send GC copy in the hope that it will assist in the approval of their visitor visa.

[qesehmk]

Sorry my mistake in typing. The expiration does say August 2024. I have received the welcome notice earlier too which has all the information correct. Does anyone has experience in how long I-90 form processing is taking these days?

I want to send documents to my parents for their visa stamping. Is it okay to send a copy of this Green Card or should I wait for the GC replacement to arrive? I have my H1B papers but was hoping to send GC copy in the hope that it will assist in the approval of their visitor visa.
Yes. I think it is still a good idea to request correction.

On Parent Visa - I think it wouldn't hurt for them to have a copy but I don't really think it's necessary.

[hulimari]

Hi All,
Just received an email saying my case has been transferred to local office for further processing for both me and my wife. Mine is 2009 feb TSC case. I am trying to find the earlier posts on this topic but can't find it. Can someone please point me to it? Below if the text of the email

"On September 12, 2014, we transferred this case to your USCIS local field office for additional processing. You will be notified by mail when a decision is made, or if the office needs something from you. If you move while this case is pending, please use our Change of Address online tool to update your case with your new address or call our customer service center at 1-800-375-5283.


During this step, USCIS initiates the background checks of the applicant/petitioner and identifies issues that may need to be addressed either during an interview or by asking the applicant/petitioner to submit additional information or documentation. USCIS reviews the applicant's/petitioner's criminal history, determines if there are national security concerns that need to be addressed, and reviews the application/petition for fraud indicators."

[srisaikrupa]

for all the guru's out here, i have a question, i have recently got my green card.
On my card as well as my spouse's card the category is printed as E27.
How ever when i researched i was told that it should be actually E26 for me & E27 for my spouse.
The paralegal in my attorney's office said that should be ok, which i am not ready to believe & take a chance.

so my question to you guys is, is it really ok?
Did any of you guys come across this kind of issue?
what should i do next?

Please provide some insights into this situation.

[dorais]

When I talked with L2 yesterday, I also found that my case is being transferred to local office on 09/04. I have not received any status update emails/text. I am not sure if the address change triggered this interview/case transfer.

1. Would the case be again transferred to TSC from the local office after interview for visa allocation/adjudication?
2. Does anyone have any inputs on what would be asked during interview? I work on E-V-C model and not sure if there would be any additional questions. I have this in my job description "Travel to various unanticipated locations for different short and long-term assignments."

I have taken an infopass with the local office next week to follow up.

PD 04/14/2009
RD 02/02/2012
RFER 07/14/14
Address change : 07/25/14
Moved from east coast to Chicago


Hi All,
Just received an email saying my case has been transferred to local office for further processing for both me and my wife. Mine is 2009 feb TSC case. I am trying to find the earlier posts on this topic but can't find it. Can someone please point me to it? Below if the text of the email

"On September 12, 2014, we transferred this case to your USCIS local field office for additional processing. You will be notified by mail when a decision is made, or if the office needs something from you. If you move while this case is pending, please use our Change of Address online tool to update your case with your new address or call our customer service center at 1-800-375-5283.


During this step, USCIS initiates the background checks of the applicant/petitioner and identifies issues that may need to be addressed either during an interview or by asking the applicant/petitioner to submit additional information or documentation. USCIS reviews the applicant's/petitioner's criminal history, determines if there are national security concerns that need to be addressed, and reviews the application/petition for fraud indicators."

[vizcard]

for all the guru's out here, i have a question, i have recently got my green card.
On my card as well as my spouse's card the category is printed as E27.
How ever when i researched i was told that it should be actually E26 for me & E27 for my spouse.
The paralegal in my attorney's office said that should be ok, which i am not ready to believe & take a chance.

so my question to you guys is, is it really ok?
Did any of you guys come across this kind of issue?
what should i do next?

Please provide some insights into this situation.

I would get it changed. Who knows what issues it will cause during naturalization. Call the 800 number and ask them.

[hulimari]

Dorais,
Our cases see similar - I had an address change too In July this year. My employer had such a case earlier and looks like they just want to make sure you're still employed with the same company and will verify pay stubs and such. Good luck to you! Please update after your info pass. I have an appt next week too and will follow up .

Gurus/members, do you think We have missed getting greened this year?



When I talked with L2 yesterday, I also found that my case is being transferred to local office on 09/04. I have not received any status update emails/text. I am not sure if the address change triggered this interview/case transfer.

1. Would the case be again transferred to TSC from the local office after interview for visa allocation/adjudication?
2. Does anyone have any inputs on what would be asked during interview? I work on E-V-C model and not sure if there would be any additional questions. I have this in my job description "Travel to various unanticipated locations for different short and long-term assignments."

I have taken an infopass with the local office next week to follow up.

PD 04/14/2009
RD 02/02/2012
RFER 07/14/14
Address change : 07/25/14
Moved from east coast to Chicago

[vizcard]

Dorais,
Our cases see similar - I had an address change too In July this year. My employer had such a case earlier and looks like they just want to make sure you're still employed with the same company and will verify pay stubs and such. Good luck to you! Please update after your info pass. I have an appt next week too and will follow up .

Gurus/members, do you think We have missed getting greened this year?

Not yet. Remember your dates are still current in Oct. So assuming you get your interviews done by then, I think you should be through. I don't want to raise your hopes but for all you know, they may have requested a visa for you already and its just a matter of clicking a button in the system.

[hulimari]

Thanks Vizcard


Not yet. Remember your dates are still current in Oct. So assuming you get your interviews done by then, I think you should be through. I don't want to raise your hopes but for all you know, they may have requested a visa for you already and its just a matter of clicking a button in the system.

[dorais]

Hulimari - I am not sure what happened, I got CPO email/text couple of hours ago.

I am planning on calling and checking with L2 tomorrow. Did not want to jinx anything by calling today!



Dorais,
Our cases see similar - I had an address change too In July this year. My employer had such a case earlier and looks like they just want to make sure you're still employed with the same company and will verify pay stubs and such. Good luck to you! Please update after your info pass. I have an appt next week too and will follow up .

Gurus/members, do you think We have missed getting greened this year?

[hulimari]

Congratulations, happy for you! My guess is that the local office processed and sent the files back.. i was looking around and have seen local office processing happen in 10 days.

Man, u moved from a cold to super cold place :-) we moved from CT to NC last year for the sake of better weather.

All the best for you and enjoy your greened life!





Hulimari - I am not sure what happened, I got CPO email/text couple of hours ago.

I am planning on calling and checking with L2 tomorrow. Did not want to jinx anything by calling today!

[krookbond]

Friends,
I received RFE email today. Not sure if this means a visa number was reserved for me but I don't see reason for sending RFE this late in game and ask for it next year again.

PD: 06/2008
RD: 02/2012

[krookbond]

Hi sportsfan33,

I have everything ready as I was planning to send them anyways without RFE. Luckily I got the RFE. People who already submitted RFE before Sep 10 may have visa number assigned to them. I am not sure if they had assigned me a visa number before sending RFE. Again everything is possible as you mentioned :)

[reachkash]

Hi,

I have received my CARD, what else we are supposed to receive from USCIS? several posts says "welcome letter", "approval notice". Should I expect I-797 approval notice?

Thanks,

[vizcard]

Hi,

I have received my CARD, what else we are supposed to receive from USCIS? several posts says "welcome letter", "approval notice". Should I expect I-797 approval notice?

Thanks,

you should get an approval notice.

[GCHopes]

Thanks "ravn from blah" for the detailed information. After about 4 attempts i ended up getting the fax lol!! i literally had to call them every single day asking for an update and they kept saying they are sending one now!! Just amazing!

And i filed for the RFE through the lawyer with your detailed list below. It was very helpful. Hope i'm not too late since they issued an immediate termination around 11th Sep. I'm seeing a few cases being greened though, so am hopeful!

I am talking to the local congressman as well, to see if they can help push it along but they said the can't do much for at least 30 days since i just filed this week and have RFE received date at USCIS for 23rd Sep.


Did you contact the Ombudsman and a Congressman?
Did you discuss legal options, such as filing a suit against USCIS, with your attorney?

The RFE asks for "continuous employment authorization". You should submit copies of current EAD and all past EADs that you received.

I submitted the following documents

Letter explaining that AC 21 can be applied in my case. The letter has the past and current descriptions. In my case the roles and responsibilities are quite different but broadly similar. Make sure that at least 1/3rd of the descriptions overlap.


Letter from my current employer (with the details requested in the RFE letter below)


Copies of EADs, current and all past


Most recent I-94 from https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html


Any H-1B renewal notices - none in my case


Sealed I-693 from a Designated Civil Surgeon

Content of the RFE letter is below
Your Employment-Based (EB) Form 1-485 adjustment application remains pending at this office.
USCIS policy requires a determination of continued eligibility on previously pre-adjudicated EB
adjustment applications. See Chapter 23.5 (f)(4) of the Adjudicator' s Field Manual (AFM).
Continued eligibility means the Principal Applicant has a valid offer of employment from the time the
priority date is established until the issuance of an immigrant visa in any EB visa category requiring a
job offer. Please submit the following to show your continued eligibility:

Submit a currently dated letter from your petitioning (Form 1-140) employer, verifying your
employment with them and whether their job offer continues to exist. The new job offer letter must
describe your current position and duties, the job title and duties of the offered position (if different
from your current one), the date you began employment and the salary or wage paid. This letter
should be on company letterhead and signed, in the original, by a person authorized to make or
confirm an offer of permanent employment.

Important: if you are no longer working for your original Form 1-140 petitioner, submit a written
explanation for the change. You may also submit evidence to show you remain eligible to adjust
through visa portability under section 2040) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). INA
2040) job portability applies if your Form 1-485 has been pending for more than 180 days AND your
new intended permanent employment is the same as, or similar to, the original Form 1-140 position.
To seek portability, you must submit a currently dated letter from your NEW employer, verifying your
employment with them and describing the offered position. As above, this letter must describe your
current job title and duties, the position offered (if different from your current one), the date you began
employment and the offered salary or wage. The letter should be on company letterhead and signed in
the original as described above.

Please submit proof of your continuous employment authorization in the U.S. from the date you filed
your Form 1-485 to the present. Such evidence may include copies of:

• Employment Authorization Documents (EADs, Forms 1-688 or 1-766) granted to you by USCIS
• Form 1-797 approval notices, showing you were granted status in an employment-authorized nonimmigrant status, or
• Copies of Form 1-94 Arrival/Departure Records showing you were admitted to the U.S. in an
employment-authorized nonimmigrant status.

Form 1-693, Report of Medical Examination and Vaccination Record, is normally valid for a period of
one year from the date it is signed by a designated civil surgeon. Current USCIS policy provides that,
in certain cases, a Form 1-693 that exceeds this validity period is acceptable. This policy, however,
will expire on May 31,2014. See USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 8, Part B, Chapter 4(C)(4).

The Form 1-693 that you submitted in support of your Form 1-485, Application to Register Permanent
Residence or Adjust Status, is no longer valid or is about to exceed its validity period. Please submit
a new Form 1-693 completed by a designated civil surgeon to this office together with a copy of this
notice. Including a copy of this notice with your Form 1-693 will facilitate matching the medical
report with your file. A list of designated civil surgeons can be obtained by calling the USCIS
National Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283, or via the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov .

This office will not be able to take further action on your case until all required documentation has
been received, including a new medical report, and a visa number has become available to you, as
determined by the U.S. Department of State. USCIS periodically reviews pending adjustment
applications in anticipation of visa numbers becoming available and to address medicals, security
checks or other required items subject to expiration.

IMPORTANT: This request is being made to establish your continued eligibility and in anticipation
of an immigrant visa. However, a final decision may not be made until an immigrant visa becomes
available to you. The monthly Department of State Visa Bulletin is posted online at
http://travel.state.gov/visa/bulletin/bulletin_1360.html. In addition to the requested items, inform this
office promptly if any of the following changes apply to your case:

• You or your representative have a new mailing address
• You or any of your dependents have changed marital status since filing Form 1-485
• You or any of your dependents no longer wish to adjust status or have departed the U.S.
indefinitely.

You must submit the requested information within eighty-four (84) days from the date of this letter (87
days if this notice was received by mail). Failure to do so may result in the denial of your application.

Please note the required deadline for providing a response to this Request for Evidence. The deadline
reflects the maximum period for responding to this RFE. However, since many immigration benefits
are time sensitive, you are encouraged to respond to this request as early as possible but no later than
the date provided on the request.

[GCHopes]

So my case updated to "RFE Response Review" yesterday, and then this morning it went back to "Initial Review"!! Not sure if it's a good thing. Will probably call into USCIS again to see if something else came up?

[GCHopes]

Thanks Sportsfan33!!!! You were absolutely right!!

Just got my notification (not even 4 mins ago lol) about "Card in Production"!!

[sp2008]

Hello All,

not sure if they continue to issue Visa's still last date.
I received bunch of emails (as well as case status updates on website) that my I485 is approved, card production stage etc on 29 th October and another one today (3 nov)
my PD is july 3 - 2008.
However there is no update on the status of my wife and daughter. I am primary applicant and they both are dependents.
their status remained same as "RFE response Review" for over two months.

since the dates are retrogressed, i was worried they will not get it this year.
is that a possibility? my understanding was that they process family together.
spoke to L2, he has no clue.


Thanks
Satya

[rosharma]

Hi,
I just checked my online status and it has the following:
**********************
On Nov 13, 2104 we suspended processing of your I-485, application to register permanent residence or adjust status, receipt no. XXXXX because we need more information from you. Your notice explains what we need from you to resume working on your case. We will not take action on your case until we receive the evidence or the deadline to submit it expires. Please follow the instructions in the notice. if you donot receive your request for additonal evidence notice by Dec 13, 2014 please go to ..........................
***********************
I am new filler - why am I getting RFE now - Didn’t dates retrogress already? Am I missing something here?

[qesehmk]

They continue to preprocess all apps as they can. So just go ahead and respond whenever you received the RFE.
Hi,
I just checked my online status and it has the following:
**********************
On Nov 13, 2104 we suspended processing of your I-485, application to register permanent residence or adjust status, receipt no. XXXXX because we need more information from you. Your notice explains what we need from you to resume working on your case. We will not take action on your case until we receive the evidence or the deadline to submit it expires. Please follow the instructions in the notice. if you donot receive your request for additonal evidence notice by Dec 13, 2014 please go to ..........................
***********************
I am new filler - why am I getting RFE now - Didn’t dates retrogress already? Am I missing something here?

[imdeng]

Did you not get a status update email/text? Are you enrolled to get those alerts?

This seems like the usual RFE as part of pre-processing. They do continue to work on cases to keep them in ready condition in anticipation of dates getting current by boatloads in spillover season. Just let them come and reply as necessary. If you have an attorney on file - then check with them as well as sometimes RFEs only come to the lawyers (as it happened in my case).


Hi,
I just checked my online status and it has the following:
**********************
On Nov 13, 2104 we suspended processing of your I-485, application to register permanent residence or adjust status, receipt no. XXXXX because we need more information from you. Your notice explains what we need from you to resume working on your case. We will not take action on your case until we receive the evidence or the deadline to submit it expires. Please follow the instructions in the notice. if you donot receive your request for additonal evidence notice by Dec 13, 2014 please go to ..........................
***********************
I am new filler - why am I getting RFE now - Didn’t dates retrogress already? Am I missing something here?

[rosharma]

Thanks Q & imdeng. I did get an e-mail from USCIS. I will check with my attorney too. I will keep you guys posted. Thanks

[vickywac]

Hi Zenmaster,
I have similar issue. I have similar case as yours. My employer is also not willing to include this(exact same) line in my EVL. What is your experience, in excluding this line in EVL. Please update if you see this message.