The FY2014 RFE Thread

[imdeng]

RFEs can take about 10 days to reach - so don't worry. Also - it does seem like you are pre-adjudicated.

Has anyone who received the RFE notification within the last week, actually got the RFE letter/details in mail?

I received my notification last Thursday and there is no sign of the letter neither in my mail nor with the attorney and this mysterious delay is killing me. I literaly live within 4 hours away from NSC. Whats taking so long.

I checked with a L2 today that the address in the file is correct. He was very patient and told me that there is a note in my file from Sep 2012 that the case is waiting for a visa number to be available. I guess that means its preadjudicated?

[Spectator]

Congrats on the pregnancy. My wife and I just had our first 2.5 months ago.

There's another thread on Medicals where there might be a more detailed answer.

Basically if you have proof of vaccinations, you don't have to take them again. Your wife should take her pregnancy medical records from her OBGYN to the civil surgeon. If not appropriate, she won't have to take them and the civil surgeon will mark it as "not appropriate". You should do some research or ask her OBGYN on the TB test (PPD) and definitely shouldn't do the chest X-ray.

I cannot stress this enough. Talk to her OBGYN before going to the civil surgeon.

Thanks for the wishes and the info

Thanks for the wishes and the info

Please be aware that pregnancy does not provide a waiver from the TB test or chest X-ray, if it is needed.

The person can defer the X-ray until after delivery, but the Civil Surgeon cannot sign the I-693 until it has been completed.

Here are the Q & A from November 2009 when new guidelines were introduced regarding TB testing. The web version is here. See the questions :

Q. Are there any exceptions to the initial TB testing requirement?

Q. When is a chest x-ray required?

Q. If a chest x-ray is required, will USCIS accept Form I-693 without the full and formal chest x-ray report?

Q. Will USCIS accept a Form I-693 if the civil surgeon performed a chest x-ray without the initial TB test (either TST or IGRA)?

Q: I am pregnant (or possibly pregnant) and I have a positive initial screening result. Do I still need a chest x-ray or will USCIS accept Form I-693 without an x-ray?

Although that is now quite old, it was still in force in November 2012 as evidenced in this Q & A document for Civil Surgeons.

Q21. If a pregnant applicant needs an X-ray, should the civil surgeon give her the option to have the chest X-ray during her pregnancy or automatically defer until after she has given birth?

A21. A pregnant applicant should be given the option to have the chest X-ray during her pregnancy or defer the X-ray until after delivery. Based on the CDC’s Tuberculosis Component of Technical Instructions, if the applicant decides to undergo an X-ray during pregnancy, the possible risks of radiation to the fetus should be explained to her, and informed consent should be obtained and confirmed by having the applicant sign a consent form. If the applicant defers the radiograph until after delivery, the civil surgeon cannot sign the medical examination form until the radiograph is performed and interpreted, and treatment for Class A pulmonary TB disease, if needed, is completed. See page 12 of the TB Technical Instructions.

With the introduction of the new TB Technical Instructions, effective May 1, 2008, a previous waiver for pregnant women was rescinded http://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeeh...tb-ti-memo.pdf (page 2 of 3) or http://www.cdc.gov/immigrantrefugeeh...b-ti-civil.pdf (page 11).

• A chest radiograph is required for all applicants with a tuberculin skin test (TST) reaction of 5 mm or greater of induration, including pregnant (or possibly pregnant) women. Previously, the chest radiograph could be waived for a pregnant applicant if she had a scar or other evidence of BCG vaccination and denied having any TB-related symptoms. This exception is no longer permissible. If the applicant decides to undergo a radiograph during pregnancy, the possible risks of radiation to the fetus should be explained to her and informed consent obtained, confirmed by a signed consent form. If she wishes, the applicant may defer the radiograph until after delivery, but the civil surgeon cannot sign the medical examination form until the radiograph is performed and interpreted, and treatment for Class A pulmonary TB disease, if needed, is completed.

I'm pretty sure there has been no change since then. I have looked on the CDC site and the same instructions are still shown.

The USCIS site has a page about vaccinations requirements and also references a CDC: Guidelines for Vaccinating Pregnant Women which indicates which vaccines are appropriate and which may be waived.

[helpful_leo]

Has anyone who received the RFE notification within the last week, actually got the RFE letter/details in mail?

I received my notification last Thursday and there is no sign of the letter neither in my mail nor with the attorney and this mysterious delay is killing me. I literaly live within 4 hours away from NSC. Whats taking so long.

I checked with a L2 today that the address in the file is correct. He was very patient and told me that there is a note in my file from Sep 2012 that the case is waiting for a visa number to be available. I guess that means its preadjudicated?

Seems I got a unfriendly L2 officer. After an hour long wait - on my polite but insistent asking - she just kept repeating "your case is pending, in 'initial review' status. When we need something, we will contact you.".

When I asked some pointed Qs others here have gotten responses to, she just said "you are asking for info that I cannot give you".

Does anybody know if these calls are noted on the file? If not, I can call again and hope to get some info with a friendlier officer!

[harapatta2012]

I received notification in email+text on June 4th saying RFE has been sent on June 4th. PD 15AUg2008 EB2I.NSC
I still have not received it in my mail as of June 12th.
MY attorney received it on June 11th.
I was also very concerned. I called L2 officer and verified my address is correct since I moved but had filed AR-11 in NOv 2013. L2 said they have recieved new address.
I also contacted my current USPS office and asked what can be done to ensure I recieve mail I spoke to supervisor there who was helping people in line. But he did like me questioning such things and tols that they will deliver what they get and they dont keep anything at USPS incase it mislabelled or something. (I had previously bad experiece with USPS in 2012 when they lost my EAD card).
I also check with my old city USPS but of no use too.

In conclusion, USPS is big brother of ineffiecieny same as USCIS. Nothing can be done about it.

I had my medical appt taken and had my attorney alerted so I got going as soon as I had RFE in attorney mail.

Has anyone who received the RFE notification within the last week, actually got the RFE letter/details in mail?

I received my notification last Thursday and there is no sign of the letter neither in my mail nor with the attorney and this mysterious delay is killing me. I literaly live within 4 hours away from NSC. Whats taking so long.

I checked with a L2 today that the address in the file is correct. He was very patient and told me that there is a note in my file from Sep 2012 that the case is waiting for a visa number to be available. I guess that means its preadjudicated?

[vizcard]

Seems I got a unfriendly L2 officer. After an hour long wait - on my polite but insistent asking - she just kept repeating "your case is pending, in 'initial review' status. When we need something, we will contact you.".

When I asked some pointed Qs others here have gotten responses to, she just said "you are asking for info that I cannot give you".

Does anybody know if these calls are noted on the file? If not, I can call again and hope to get some info with a friendlier officer!

What specifically are up trying to get answered? Also you don't have to wait on the phone. They can call you back.

[la_2002_ch]

I received notification in email+text on June 4th saying RFE has been sent on June 4th. PD 15AUg2008 EB2I.NSC
I still have not received it in my mail as of June 12th.
MY attorney received it on June 11th.
I was also very concerned. I called L2 officer and verified my address is correct since I moved but had filed AR-11 in NOv 2013. L2 said they have recieved new address.
I also contacted my current USPS office and asked what can be done to ensure I recieve mail I spoke to supervisor there who was helping people in line. But he did like me questioning such things and tols that they will deliver what they get and they dont keep anything at USPS incase it mislabelled or something. (I had previously bad experiece with USPS in 2012 when they lost my EAD card).
I also check with my old city USPS but of no use too.

In conclusion, USPS is big brother of ineffiecieny same as USCIS. Nothing can be done about it.

I had my medical appt taken and had my attorney alerted so I got going as soon as I had RFE in attorney mail.

Thanks... i will keep my fingers crossed that atleast one of us (me or the ayyorney) receive it by early next week.

Seems I got a unfriendly L2 officer. After an hour long wait - on my polite but insistent asking - she just kept repeating "your case is pending, in 'initial review' status. When we need something, we will contact you.".

When I asked some pointed Qs others here have gotten responses to, she just said "you are asking for info that I cannot give you".

Does anybody know if these calls are noted on the file? If not, I can call again and hope to get some info with a friendlier officer!

I had called at exact 8:00 AM. I guess the officer was just in good mood at the start of the day and the wait time was also "only" 18 minutes.

RFEs can take about 10 days to reach - so don't worry. Also - it does seem like you are pre-adjudicated.

Thanks imdeng.... its just that you never know which small thing makes you miss the boat and then you have to wait for whole year to get another shot. So every little thing keeps me on the edge.

[helpful_leo]

I had called at exact 8:00 AM. I guess the officer was just in good mood at the start of the day and the wait time was also "only" 18 minutes.

My mistake - I called after 4 pm, and by the time I spoke to her, it was after 5 pm. Should have thought about it!

Any idea if these calls are noted? Don't want to call a 2nd time so quickly if they are.

[qbloguser]

Talked to a very nice L2 officer yesterday to confirm my new address which I updated last year but never got any confirmation from USCIS. Asked about case status and he told me my case is pre-adjudicated - whatever that means! My PD is 10-Apr-2009; no RFE so far. Filed in Feb 2012.

[whatever]

So while the conversation is about sending RFEs, I have a question regarding processing of RFEs..
Do we know if they will consider the RFE response received date when they finally adjudicate the case? So if person A with PD 1 Jan 2009 received RFE on July 1 2014 and responded by (receive date) July 25 2014..and if person B with PD 1 Feb 2009 received RFE on July 1 2014 and responded by (receive date) July 15 2014..assuming the dates are current and everything else is fine, would they approve person B first?
Or would they still go by PD?

[helpful_leo]

What specifically are up trying to get answered? Also you don't have to wait on the phone. They can call you back.

Was trying to find out indirectly if I had been pre-adjudicated, as somebody here had earlier been able to (very indirectly, though). But this lady did not budge from "your case is pending, in initial review".

I did get to know that no RFE had been sent (that I may have missed). There was a technical problem with the callback on their side, so I had to wait an hour plus!
Another thing she said, when I asked her if I have to send a new I-693 as I had heard that >1 year RFEs had to be renewed, she responded: "who told you that? You don't have to send anything till we specifically ask for it." I don't know how significant that is, or if that she may just be ignorant.

Are the L2 officers actual USCIS agents or call operators?

[helpful_leo]

Talked to a very nice L2 officer yesterday to confirm my new address which I updated last year but never got any confirmation from USCIS. Asked about case status and he told me my case is pre-adjudicated - whatever that means! My PD is 10-Apr-2009; no RFE so far. Filed in Feb 2012.

If you do not mind my asking, can you tell me what time you called? And did he actually say it was "pre-adjudicated"?

I called and the L2 officer did not budge from "pending, initial review". Filed Jan 12, PD Dec 08.

[Kanmani]

So while the conversation is about sending RFEs, I have a question regarding processing of RFEs..
Do we know if they will consider the RFE response received date when they finally adjudicate the case? So if person A with PD 1 Jan 2009 received RFE on July 1 2014 and responded by (receive date) July 25 2014..and if person B with PD 1 Feb 2009 received RFE on July 1 2014 and responded by (receive date) July 15 2014..assuming the dates are current and everything else is fine, would they approve person B first?
Or would they still go by PD?

Whatever, Welcome to the forum!

I-485 applications are handled by hundreds of different adjudicators and the RFE notice always accompany with a Yellow colored sheet along with the adjudicator's ID so that the reply reaches the same table where our applications sits awaiting approval.

Assuming A and B are handled by the same Adj, B will be approved first.

[qbloguser]

I called around 9:30 AM EST; talked to tier 1 officer and he opened a service request about my address change confirmation and asked me if I want him to transfer me to next level officer after the call and I said yes :-). He transferred the call but the wait time was 25 minutes and so I chose callback option and received call around 10:45 AM. Yes he said 'pre-adjudicated'. I asked him twice!

If you do not mind my asking, can you tell me what time you called? And did he actually say it was "pre-adjudicated"?

I called and the L2 officer did not budge from "pending, initial review". Filed Jan 12, PD Dec 08.

[helpful_leo]

I called around 9:30 AM EST; talked to tier 1 officer and he opened a service request about my address change confirmation and asked me if I want him to transfer me to next level officer after the call and I said yes :-). He transferred the call but the wait time was 25 minutes and so I chose callback option and received call around 10:45 AM. Yes he said 'pre-adjudicated'. I asked him twice!

Thanks! Seems calling late in the pm was a really bad idea.

Btw, why did L1 want to transfer you to L2? I practically asked her to transfer me to L2.

And to what specific Q did L2 answer "pre-adjudicated"? Thx..

[JJcalifornian]

My status changed to RFE, PD Jan 27 2009

[Zoroark]

Online status changed to RFE yesterday. PD: Dec 9th, 2008

[trackright]

Just got RFE email for me (Primary). Nothing yet for Dependent. I just hope the applications are not separated

TSC: RD: Feb 09 2012
PD: April 22 2009

[qbloguser]

I asked him what address does he have in his records and he said he didn't have that information but level 2 officer can answer that and then he asked me if I wanted to be transferred. 'Pre-Adj' discussion happened after L2 officer verified everything and I told him that since dates are moving fast and I don't want to miss any RFE etc. and that's why I want to verify if my address is updated in your systems or not. He checked my case and said you didn't miss anything, case is fine and it is pre-adjudicated.

Thanks! Seems calling late in the pm was a really bad idea.

Btw, why did L1 want to transfer you to L2? I practically asked her to transfer me to L2.

And to what specific Q did L2 answer "pre-adjudicated"? Thx..

[vizcard]

I called around 9:30 AM EST; talked to tier 1 officer and he opened a service request about my address change confirmation and asked me if I want him to transfer me to next level officer after the call and I said yes :-). He transferred the call but the wait time was 25 minutes and so I chose callback option and received call around 10:45 AM. Yes he said 'pre-adjudicated'. I asked him twice!

Please remember pre-adjudicated is not approved.

[qbloguser]

Yep!

Found this on trackitt (from USCIS)

"To maximize visa number usage while working off its backlog, USCIS has adopted a production strategy that focuses on completing cases where visas are immediately available and on working cases to the point just short of approval (pre-adjudication) where visas will be available in the coming months. Pre-adjudication includes completing all required background checks and resolving all eligibility issues except for visa availability. This allows for immediate approval and visa number allocation as visas become available for pre-adjudicated cases."

Please remember pre-adjudicated is not approved.

[helpful_leo]

Yep!

Found this on trackitt (from USCIS)

"To maximize visa number usage while working off its backlog, USCIS has adopted a production strategy that focuses on completing cases where visas are immediately available and on working cases to the point just short of approval (pre-adjudication) where visas will be available in the coming months. Pre-adjudication includes completing all required background checks and resolving all eligibility issues except for visa availability. This allows for immediate approval and visa number allocation as visas become available for pre-adjudicated cases."

That actually seems to indicate that even an RFE will not be required - you may just get lucky!

[GCHopes]

That's great! Good Luck!

Just hope Pre-Adjudication means they won't no RFE for medicals, or EVL either - coz i've not got any RFE as of yet and was getting Nervous!

Can you please share the number (IVR option) you selected? Would like to call in and confirm if my case is pre-adjudicated as well !! I've tried calling the general support line to TSC but have not been able to get through.

I asked him what address does he have in his records and he said he didn't have that information but level 2 officer can answer that and then he asked me if I wanted to be transferred. 'Pre-Adj' discussion happened after L2 officer verified everything and I told him that since dates are moving fast and I don't want to miss any RFE etc. and that's why I want to verify if my address is updated in your systems or not. He checked my case and said you didn't miss anything, case is fine and it is pre-adjudicated.

[qbloguser]

It is 1-800-375-5283 and then option #2. Enter your receipt number when asked - SRC******** (On smartphone keypad just enter 772 (SRC) and then your numeric receipt number) it will read the status which you see online and then ask for address related thing. I remember at that point I chose an option which basically says if address is not correct or you moved or something and then it connects you to customer service rep.

Also, at one point he told me that for address related change my file was touched on 10th June (This is the address change request I completed online last year in Aug). I didn't see any changes online though. May be I will get an RFE; next week may be! Who knows!

That's great! Good Luck!

Just hope Pre-Adjudication means they won't no RFE for medicals, or EVL either - coz i've not got any RFE as of yet and was getting Nervous!

Can you please share the number (IVR option) you selected? Would like to call in and confirm if my case is pre-adjudicated as well !! I've tried calling the general support line to TSC but have not been able to get through.

[vizcard]

That actually seems to indicate that even an RFE will not be required - you may just get lucky!

That's great! Good Luck!

Just hope Pre-Adjudication means they won't no RFE for medicals, or EVL either - coz i've not got any RFE as of yet and was getting Nervous!

Can you please share the number (IVR option) you selected? Would like to call in and confirm if my case is pre-adjudicated as well !! I've tried calling the general support line to TSC but have not been able to get through.

Yep!

Found this on trackitt (from USCIS)

"To maximize visa number usage while working off its backlog, USCIS has adopted a production strategy that focuses on completing cases where visas are immediately available and on working cases to the point just short of approval (pre-adjudication) where visas will be available in the coming months. Pre-adjudication includes completing all required background checks and resolving all eligibility issues except for visa availability. This allows for immediate approval and visa number allocation as visas become available for pre-adjudicated cases."

I dont mean to be a debbie downer but until May 31 everyone was "pre-adjudicated" - thats why we saw the demand data the way it is. Pre-adjudicated means "documentarily qualified". If the 693 is invalid, by definition one is not "documentarily qualified". While there is a chance that people will get through without a RFE, I would not rely on the term "pre-adjudicated" meaning no more RFEs.

[qbloguser]

I agree. Pre-Adj means nothing. I am still expecting an RFE, at least for I693!

I dont mean to be a debbie downer but until May 31 everyone was "pre-adjudicated" - thats why we saw the demand data the way it is. Pre-adjudicated means "documentarily qualified". If the 693 is invalid, by definition one is not "documentarily qualified". While there is a chance that people will get through without a RFE, I would not rely on the term "pre-adjudicated" meaning no more RFEs.