The FY2014 RFE Thread

[qesehmk]

TRUE Ramaka.

Its not the wait but the helplessness and the total no logic non transparency about this process is what is very frustrating!

[RMS_V13]

Sportsfan, for a second I thought you got your GC , but it was the RFE, which Im sure in your case is as joyous.

Hi everyone,

The status finally changed for me me and dependent yesterday.

I was also surprised to find out that my lawyer had submitted AC21 on my behalf last year when I was under the impression nothing was done. I had actually prepared the packet with the lawyer's help but the last minute I decided against sending it. Looks like my memory is failing me (this GC thing is making me prematurely old) since the packet was sent. This seems to have taken an additional review time on my case upfront. I am betting that my RFE will only be for the medicals.

Some others on trackitt have reported the same symptom. AC21, address changes within the last year, AOS interviewees and some porters whose labor has been approved recently is the approximate set of people who did not get RFEs in May/June. Rest assured though - no GC without an RFE, not at least this year.

OK, time for questions. I am on my own (the lawyer is no longer with our company and there is no one really out there who would help me at this stage now). I will prepare and send my own response. So I want to do this right as I have been spoon fed until now in my immigration journey.

1) Assuming the RFE is also for EVL, does a typical letter that details my responsibilities and start date suffice? Do I need anything else like paystubs, tax returns etc?
1a) Will a letter from my previous company showing the duration of my employment help? This will automatically show continuous employment in same or similar field.
1b) Do I need to write down I am using AC21 etc etc?
1c) Should I get some other supporting material from my company showcasing our products etc?
1d) What else? Am I missing something?

2) Assuming the RFE asks for continuous employment, would copies of EAD and previously approved H1B suffice? I abandoned my H1B last year. I can also corroborate continuous employment be getting a letter of my employment duration with the previous company.

3) Medicals: So what's needed here? I have copies of both previously completed forms. So I go to the same lab and show them the forms and they redo whatever needs to be done and give me 2 sealed envelopes to be sent to the USCIS, right? Anything else?

I apologize for being redundant.

[vizcard]

Today is Day 60 post-RFERR. is there a follow up sequence? what is it? Is it another reason to kick the can down the road i.e. you submitted a service request..we'll get back to you in 60 days!

I know my options are-
1. Service Request
2. Infopass
3. Congressman or Senator (or both?)

[PD2008AUG25]

Today is Day 60 post-RFERR. is there a follow up sequence? what is it? Is it another reason to kick the can down the road i.e. you submitted a service request..we'll get back to you in 60 days!

I know my options are-
1. Service Request
2. Infopass
3. Congressman or Senator (or both?)

I did not do SR and InfoPass, as I thought they were waste of time. I started Senator and Congressmen inquiry both on same day. It is very difficult to say whether it helped or not, but I contacted them on Monday and got CPO on Friday. After getting CPO, I did not get any communication back from either Senator or Congressman's office. Good luck.

[helpful_leo]

Today is Day 60 post-RFERR. is there a follow up sequence? what is it? Is it another reason to kick the can down the road i.e. you submitted a service request..we'll get back to you in 60 days!

I know my options are-
1. Service Request
2. Infopass
3. Congressman or Senator (or both?)

With my limited understanding of the process, I would do #s 2 and 3. My sense is the Senator or Congressman inquiry provides the best bang for the buck, among the limited options we have. Doing both Sen & Congressman seems overkill, and potentially counterproductive as it could annoy them.

In fact I personally have started 3 and scheduled 2, even though I am just RFER 30+. I started earlier as I may not remain current much longer once I am RFER 60+.

I think the way you are doing it (i.e. RFER 60+) has better chances of a meaningful response, as it removes the possibility that USCIS will reply to the Senator staffer that you have to wait for 60 days after RFE.

#1 may just be an excuse for USCIS to kick the can down the road, and on trackitt I have not read of anyone being helped by it.

[helpful_leo]

Congressman AND SR. Do not waste time on infopass based on mine and many other's recent experiences.

Seems both SR and InfoPass may be a waste of time.

Have you seen or heard of anyone helped by SR? I only see boilerplate responses to check back after 30 or 60 days.
InfoPass, even if useless, does not seem to give one a further receding 'wait for 60 days' horizon, or am I wrong?

[aug152008]

I did not do SR and InfoPass, as I thought they were waste of time. I started Senator and Congressmen inquiry both on same day. It is very difficult to say whether it helped or not, but I contacted them on Monday and got CPO on Friday. After getting CPO, I did not get any communication back from either Senator or Congressman's office. Good luck.

pd2008aug25,

could you tell us what was the message you gave to the senator/Congressman?

Did you say that the RFE processing period (60 days) had passed ? I think, if I remember right, in your caes, it had not exceeded isnt it? So, what was the reason you gave for wantign the senator to inquire?

also, did you send any copies of docs to the senator?

In my case , the lawyer sent the rFE response on Jun 24. Status online became initial review , on June 24. He then sent a supplementary letter giving an updated EVL ( start date was missing in orignal EVL) on july 16. status online is now RFE response review, with an update sayign that the RFE response was received on July 17, status is RFERR.

So, I'm wondering what details to include in the letter to senator and what copies of documents.

Thank you!

[daggubati]

I am a July '09 PD TSC yet to receive an RFE.

Assuming, the dates go past July in this bulletin, I would like to open up an SR or Congressional Inquiry or InfoPass. From the feedback on the forum, it looks like InfoPass is not recommended. What's the best option and how do we go about it?

Is this where we file the SR --- https://egov.uscis.gov/e-request/
Should I select (case out of normal processing times)

Please suggest

Thanks,
M

[PD2008AUG25]

pd2008aug25,

could you tell us what was the message you gave to the senator/Congressman?

Did you say that the RFE processing period (60 days) had passed ? I think, if I remember right, in your caes, it had not exceeded isnt it? So, what was the reason you gave for wantign the senator to inquire?

also, did you send any copies of docs to the senator?

In my case , the lawyer sent the rFE response on Jun 24. Status online became initial review , on June 24. He then sent a supplementary letter giving an updated EVL ( start date was missing in orignal EVL) on july 16. status online is now RFE response review, with an update sayign that the RFE response was received on July 17, status is RFERR.

So, I'm wondering what details to include in the letter to senator and what copies of documents.

Thank you!

I did not mention RFE to Congressman/Senator's staff. I simply said my application is pending for more than 2 years while normal processing times are 4-6 months. I did not any send any documents except for letter explaining case and how it is harming me and privacy form. I personally met the staff member at local office and explained how USCIS only likes to give template answers and requested something specific to my case.

Like I said in original post, there is no way to know if this or any of other mechanisms help at all. Also my approval was on 1st August, the day from which TSC started approving more cases.

[PD2008AUG25]

It's impossible to say what worked and what didn't, but it does not hurt to create an SR because it is cheap. You can do it online easily and simply select "case outside of normal processing time" as the reason.

I agree SR is easy to create. I was scared to create one because of some rumors on other site saying it may actually delay the case and I didn't notice many talking about potential upside.

[aug152008]

I did not mention RFE to Congressman/Senator's staff. I simply said my application is pending for more than 2 years while normal processing times are 4-6 months. I did not any send any documents except for letter explaining case and how it is harming me and privacy form. I personally met the staff member at local office and explained how USCIS only likes to give template answers and requested something specific to my case.

Like I said in original post, there is no way to know if this or any of other mechanisms help at all. Also my approval was on 1st August, the day from which TSC started approving more cases.

This is very helpful , thank you! Because , I didnt want to give more info and confuse the staff . What you did sounds like something they would understand..

yeah , dont know if it might have had anything to do with your case, but we're all clutching at straws, isnt it !

this difference between NSC/TSC, how they dont seem to have any rationale in approving cases , all are so FRUSTRATING !

Sorry everyone, just venting !

[qesehmk]

they dont seem to have any rationale in approving cases , all are so FRUSTRATING !

Sorry everyone, just venting !

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.

[aug152008]

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.

yes, my priority date is aug 15, 2008 . What are our recourses , other than to mail Senator/congressman?

[qesehmk]

yes, my priority date is aug 15, 2008 . What are our recourses , other than to mail Senator/congressman?

I never had to do any of those but if I were forced to ... I would do them in this order. Last one is adviseable only if your case has known issues or is inordinately delayed.
1. Call USCIS - Escalate if necessary.
2. Ask Congressman's help
3. Take Infopass and go and see USCIS folks

[krookbond]

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.

My PD is June 2008 and I still haven't received any RFE. I already got SR reply 20 days back mentioning my case has been requested for review. Sent letter and other documents to Representative last Friday. Since my wife received her RFE in June, I am quite sure my case is pending security checks (even though it was filed in Feb 2012). Does anyone has any suggestions on how to get out of security check cycle? Can I ask USCIS to give me another biometrics appointment if older one is stuck?

[qesehmk]

My PD is June 2008 and I still haven't received any RFE. I already got SR reply 20 days back mentioning my case has been requested for review. Sent letter and other documents to Representative last Friday. Since my wife received her RFE in June, I am quite sure my case is pending security checks (even though it was filed in Feb 2012). Does anyone has any suggestions on how to get out of security check cycle? Can I ask USCIS to give me another biometrics appointment if older one is stuck?

That sounds messed up. Another biometric appointment is not going to help. You need to ask USCIS what is holding it up. If they can't give you a straight answer then take an infopass. Going to congressman will not hurt but i doubt that will help.

[krookbond]

If file is stuck at FBi for clearance, won't a new case id (with new biometrics) will help? USCIS can get results back sooner. Problem with USCIS is they don't tell you what is wrong. As I mentioned, reply to SR was your file is requested for review. Now if my wife got the RFE back in June, there is no way my file was not reviewed at the same time. I am primary applicant.

[qesehmk]

If file is stuck at FBi for clearance, won't a new case id (with new biometrics) will help? USCIS can get results back sooner. Problem with USCIS is they don't tell you what is wrong. As I mentioned, reply to SR was your file is requested for review. Now if my wife got the RFE back in June, there is no way my file was not reviewed at the same time. I am primary applicant.

If something is stuck in FBI check - I would be extremely surprised if a new biometrics will clear it. Perhaps if there are others who have gone through something like this can comment. But my sense is - infopass is in order here.

[Spectator]

sportsfan,

Glad to hear things are moving quickly.

I have every confidence you should be approved before the window closes.

[pdfeb09]

I am a July '09 PD TSC yet to receive an RFE.

Assuming, the dates go past July in this bulletin, I would like to open up an SR or Congressional Inquiry or InfoPass. From the feedback on the forum, it looks like InfoPass is not recommended. What's the best option and how do we go about it?

Is this where we file the SR --- https://egov.uscis.gov/e-request/
Should I select (case out of normal processing times)

Please suggest

Thanks,
M

Sportsfan33 was in the same boat some time ago. You may want to send him a PM and get some info about what steps he took ..

Medical RFE is pretty much mandatory if your case is to be considered ... since you are July 09 .. you fall within the range of pds getting the RFEs .. although we don't know if the 2009ers will be current in Sept .. and even if they are, how far into 2009 will the dates go ..

[daggubati]

Sportsfan33 was in the same boat some time ago. You may want to send him a PM and get some info about what steps he took ..

Medical RFE is pretty much mandatory if your case is to be considered ... since you are July 09 .. you fall within the range of pds getting the RFEs .. although we don't know if the 2009ers will be current in Sept .. and even if they are, how far into 2009 will the dates go ..

Thanks you. I sent the PM.

M

[helpful_leo]

Just had our InfoPass. (PD Dec 2008, RD Jan 2012, RFER July 7, 2014)

The officer told us our case was assigned to an officer on July 30 (?in anticipation of being current on Aug 1).

When I asked if our background checks were complete, she said yes, but FP is valid for only 15 months and may have to be repeated before approval. Then she said something that I didn't catch completely, something to the effect of "..or they may download it from...". Not sure what that means, if repeat FP are required before approval, although I haven't heard from other Jan 12 RDs who have been approved that they were asked to repeat fingerprinting.

She also mentioned that she didn't 'see any pre-processing steps on our case yet' which really doesn't surprise me as we are Dec 08 PD. I guess if they started any processing on our case - pre or otherwise - we'd be approved within a couple of days.

[dorais]

I got current in September Bulletin. USCIS had received my RFE response on 07/14/2014, but the status did not change to RFERR (that other users refer to). How do I know if USCIS has received and processed my RFE? My 60 days from RFE response ends on 09/14/2014 and I could probably go senator/rep route after that. Would infopass work to get the status of RFE?

I had changed my address on 07/25 and that got updated. I tried to get to L2 to make sure they have the correct address and also ask if they had received my RFE, but the L1 refused to transfer me. Is there any other method to try to get to L2?



RFE email received - 06/10/2014 (Online Status: RFE)
RFE response received by USCIS - 07/14/2014 (Online Status: RFE)
Address change - 07/05/2014 (Online Status: Initial Review-Address Change)

[vik123]

Hi Quesehmk/Soectator/other Gurus,

I need advice with I 693.

I already replied RFE with incorrect format of I 693. Unfortunately, my doctor filed wrong I 693 form (pag# 5 vaccination Record), He used check box instead of putting date in MMR and Varicella row and “Completed series” column. Please refer to attached images to view old and new form. Both new and old forms are same except page 5 (even form number 01/15/13 Y)

Now, I got the updated and corrected form doctor, What should I do now?

Option 1: Don’t take any action, I might get another RFE or Officer might approve that.
Option 2: Reply RFE again but it might confuse officer.

History:
PD: Jan26 2009
485 Submitted: March 2012
RFE Replied (Medical and EVL) 27 July 2014.
USCIS Status changed to RFE response Review on 1 Aug 2014


Thanks in advance.
Vik123
I-693-Old_Format_Page-5.jpgI693-New-Format-Page-5.jpg

[hulimari]

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. "