DV 2012 - AOS - step by step

[EighthTimeLucky]

Hello Guys!
I just had my biometrics done (picture, 10 fingerprints and signature). I was supposed to do them March 22nd but I decided to drop by the local ASC and do them today. A few hints for walk-ins:
<snip!>
Strictly_Analog

Hi Strictly_Analog! Good to hear your progress update, and the continued smooth progression. I received my e-notification (SMS + email) of I-485 acceptance yesterday; very happy about that! I'm waiting for the official documents now, and next is biometrics. I'm considering doing walk-in for biometrics too, but I'm wondering if there is anything extra you had to do to cancel your original appointment?

Could there be any complications from doing biometrics early? Or need to alert anyone that you've done it early?

Thanks, and hope you get your interview letter soon!
ETL

[Strictly_Analog]

Thank you!, congrats on getting your acceptance notice!

Don't worry to much about it. My attorney said it is fine. Once your data is inside the system your processing resumes.

Make sure that they stamp your original notice. the IO that took my prints stamped it with the date that I did my walk-in and signed it. This will serve as proof that you showed up. Good Luck!

All the best,

Strictly_Analog

Hi Strictly_Analog! Good to hear your progress update, and the continued smooth progression. I received my e-notification (SMS + email) of I-485 acceptance yesterday; very happy about that! I'm waiting for the official documents now, and next is biometrics. I'm considering doing walk-in for biometrics too, but I'm wondering if there is anything extra you had to do to cancel your original appointment?

Could there be any complications from doing biometrics early? Or need to alert anyone that you've done it early?

Thanks, and hope you get your interview letter soon!
ETL

[koubiak]

@strictly_analog When did you finally get you EAD card?

I am still in limbo here... I called the USCIS because I am still waiting for my fingerprinting appointment and my EAD card. They seems to say that it was weird I did not get my fingerprint interview already... So they are filling a request for me... Processing time 2 more weeks... Overall I am not sure if that was useful to call as they did not informed me about anything.

Did someone have a good experience with the USCIS call center?

Cheers,
Pierre

[Strictly_Analog]

Hello Koubiak,

I am sorry about the confusion. The EAD card that I used was actually my OPT card. I have F-1 status and I graduated in December so I applied for it just in case my number didn't become current in January (it did!). I got the physical card the week before I got my I-485 NOA

Hang in there. At least you were able to contact them. Appointment times vary depending on which field office you have. My FO (Orlando, Florida) usually schedules biometrics and interviews 4-6 weeks after. I got my bio notice in about 3.5 weeks from the date in which I got my I-485 NOA so it is good that you called them.

@strictly_analog When did you finally get you EAD card?

I am still in limbo here... I called the USCIS because I am still waiting for my fingerprinting appointment and my EAD card. They seems to say that it was weird I did not get my fingerprint interview already... So they are filling a request for me... Processing time 2 more weeks... Overall I am not sure if that was useful to call as they did not informed me about anything.

Did someone have a good experience with the USCIS call center?

Cheers,
Pierre

[koubiak]

Thanks for the quick answer.

My current worry is what to do if I don't get my EAD card in the next 2 weeks. How should I play it? Should I get a lawyer to coach me on what to ask to understand why after 6 weeks nothing append?

One of the additional problem is that my driver license was up for renewal last month. When I renewed it I only received a paper version to leave time for the DMV to check my immigration status. After 2 weeks I received another temporary license that expires at the end of this week... I am hoping that they will send me my new license soon. Did that happened to someone here?

Overall I know that it is a waiting game but it is getting on my nerve I think.

[makeiteasier]

Thanks for the quick answer.

My current worry is what to do if I don't get my EAD card in the next 2 weeks. How should I play it? Should I get a lawyer to coach me on what to ask to understand why after 6 weeks nothing append?

One of the additional problem is that my driver license was up for renewal last month. When I renewed it I only received a paper version to leave time for the DMV to check my immigration status. After 2 weeks I received another temporary license that expires at the end of this week... I am hoping that they will send me my new license soon. Did that happened to someone here?

Overall I know that it is a waiting game but it is getting on my nerve I think.

These are very thin timelines, and in different circumstances I've been through them and since after my opt EAD expired, I've had to apply for something IN THE MEAN TIME as I hope for light at the end of the tunnel. When my tunnel got too thick, and there was no more oxygen, the Lord commanded that my name be selected for DV. I know and can feel where you are coz even after my second selection, my numbers were so high...really high but I had to bridge gaps (as I said, under different circumstances) fast before anything goes wrong (reason I filed in October when I will be current in May!)

About DL, you may Or may find another DMV easier but I don't know. The receipt for the i485 may help them give you a 15 months DL (FYI - I've had to renew my license every single year for the past 5 years...last year, the gave me one for 15 months for the first time (I went to a different DMV) and took my receipt for the i485 I had then (which was denied later) and my EAD which they did not ask for.

If it gets too tough, take $15 and 2 passport pictures to AAA near you and ask for an international drivers license. They will need your current license. They will give you a 6 months DL that can help buy some time. You were current last month and it's upsetting that ur aos was rejected mid may yet they knew that they wouldn't process you when you were current and finalize the same month! But what can we do? Some people here got their bio letters just days before their interview letters and did walk in bios. I saw someone whose bio was after the interview so they did bio walk in then interview as scheduled.

I hope something happens for you.

[Strictly_Analog]

Hello Koubiak,

I would go to the DMV of your state with the I-485 NOA. It depends on which state you live. I live in Florida and I was able to get my license for one more year without any problem.

I personally don't think a lawyer would help. Your I-485 has already been accepted for adjudication so USCIS just has to schedule you in for biometrics and an interview so they can make a decision. It is up to you though. I would wait the 2 weeks to listen from them. Good Luck.

Thanks for the quick answer.

My current worry is what to do if I don't get my EAD card in the next 2 weeks. How should I play it? Should I get a lawyer to coach me on what to ask to understand why after 6 weeks nothing append?

One of the additional problem is that my driver license was up for renewal last month. When I renewed it I only received a paper version to leave time for the DMV to check my immigration status. After 2 weeks I received another temporary license that expires at the end of this week... I am hoping that they will send me my new license soon. Did that happened to someone here?

Overall I know that it is a waiting game but it is getting on my nerve I think.

[koubiak]

Thanks for all the reply.

I received my driver license today. So I will wait for the EAD card. I am still surprised it did not come yet. If I do not get anything in 10 days I will call back.

Like everyone else here I am crossing my fingers while waiting.

[Strictly_Analog]

That's great! Is that DL good for a year too? Do call USCIS back and let us know what happens. Good Luck!

Thanks for all the reply.

I received my driver license today. So I will wait for the EAD card. I am still surprised it did not come yet. If I do not get anything in 10 days I will call back.

Like everyone else here I am crossing my fingers while waiting.

[Realtalk]

Hello all,

I am trying to fill out form i485. I am on F1 status (not expired). What is my current USCIS status and expire date? Is it F1 and the date my visa is valid up to? or "student" and "duration of status".

thanks all.

[Wildcatter]

Hello all,

I am trying to fill out form i485. I am on F1 status (not expired). What is my current USCIS status and expire date? Is it F1 and the date my visa is valid up to? or "student" and "duration of status".

thanks all.

F-1 student expiring on the date your I-20 is valid up to.

[koubiak]

That's great! Is that DL good for a year too? Do call USCIS back and let us know what happens. Good Luck!

So the DL is valid for 6 month. It will expire when my current J-1 extension expire...

The good news of the day is that I received my IL. I am still surprise to not have gotten any appointment for the finger print though.

Does anyone as any clue when I should expect the EAD card?

[Strictly_Analog]

That's great! Have you ever been fingerprinted before by USCIS? (besides at port of entry) Maybe they went off of those prints.

Don't worry about your EAD, you will most likely get your GC before. 4/20 is less than a month away so hang in there my friend. Good Luck!

So the DL is valid for 6 month. It will expire when my current J-1 extension expire...

The good news of the day is that I received my IL. I am still surprise to not have gotten any appointment for the finger print though.

Does anyone as any clue when I should expect the EAD card?

[joe100]

Hi lucky friends:
Can anybody please tell me why most of the AOS packages are sent to Chicago? Shouldn't it be sent to local USCIS?

[koubiak]

I did my biometrics yesterday and today the uscis website was finally updated. The EAD card is being produced.

Anyone has any experienced on the time to get it?

I am wondering because I want to start a new job but I want to be sure that my visa status stay lawful. I have a 2 weeks notice so even if I resigned now. I will still be lawfully under a J-1 visa for my interview (4/20).

What do you guys think?

Koubiak excited

[Realtalk]

Any experience about New Orleans field office?

[EighthTimeLucky]

Hi folks!

Just posting a little update on my experience. I completed the biometrics by "walk-in" ahead of the scheduled appointment. The "Application Support Center" (ASC) location in Los Angeles was very quiet, with nice security guards. It made for a very pleasant experience. I had to wait just a few minutes and then whole thing was completed very quickly. I did that late March, and a couple of days ago received my letter for I-485 interview on May 18th! Things seem to be going smoothly, no problems. I did file for "advance parole" document with my I-485 with hope to attend a conference at which I have work accepted, but I have not received the advance parole yet. I'm not sure how long that part of the process would take, but it doesn't seem like coming soon enough.

@Strictly_Analog: How are things for you? I guess you might have received your interview notice by now? It would be great to hear your update!

Best,
ETL

[Strictly_Analog]

Hello ETL,


I am glad you got your interview letter! Your case is going very smoothly

I have not received my interview letter yet. I did my biometrics as a walk-in as well back in March 6th (I was supposed to get them March 22nd). According to my attorney the Orlando Field Office is very busy and it usually takes 6 weeks after biometrics to schedule an appointment. I still have a week left so I should receive it any day now . Good Luck on your interview!

-SA

Hi folks!

Just posting a little update on my experience. I completed the biometrics by "walk-in" ahead of the scheduled appointment. The "Application Support Center" (ASC) location in Los Angeles was very quiet, with nice security guards. It made for a very pleasant experience. I had to wait just a few minutes and then whole thing was completed very quickly. I did that late March, and a couple of days ago received my letter for I-485 interview on May 18th! Things seem to be going smoothly, no problems. I did file for "advance parole" document with my I-485 with hope to attend a conference at which I have work accepted, but I have not received the advance parole yet. I'm not sure how long that part of the process would take, but it doesn't seem like coming soon enough.

@Strictly_Analog: How are things for you? I guess you might have received your interview notice by now? It would be great to hear your update!

Best,
ETL

[koubiak]

Good news for me, Me and my wife received our EAD card yesterday. For us the production was started the day after the biometrics appointment. We did not apply for advance parole which might have been a mistake. The future will tell.

We are now getting ready to interview on Friday while packing to move to California for a new job!

I am hoping that I am reaching the end of this stressful journey.

Good luck y'all!

[koubiak]

So we had our interview this morning in Durham, NC. I was funny because I think interview are very rare now that the security was not sure what to do. They sent us up to wait in a big and empty waiting room.

Someone came and picked our interview letter. We waited 30 minutes until somebody came to tell us that they were ready. We (my wife, my 1-year old and I) went in a small room where we took an oath to tell the truth.

The first thing she asked was about our address. We explained that we were to move to California next week because I have a new job. So she took our new address.

The lady reviewed our papers and check our passport. She asked us about our different travel in the US and ask me why I had so many re-entry stamps. I explained that I was a researcher and I was going to a lot of conferences.

Finally she asked us the regular security questions.

And that was it. She said that she did not see any problem. She would review a last time our file and that it should take 4 to 6 weeks for us to receive our green card (supposing that a visa number was available which it is since we are current since February)

So now we have to start waiting again

[singhaikola]

So we had our interview this morning in Durham, NC. I was funny because I think interview are very rare now that the security was not sure what to do. They sent us up to wait in a big and empty waiting room.
........
........
And that was it. She said that she did not see any problem. She would review a last time our file and that it should take 4 to 6 weeks for us to receive our green card (supposing that a visa number was available which it is since we are current since February)

So now we have to start waiting again

Congrats on your successful interview.
I thought they would do your interview because there was visa number available for you till that date right?
Can they entertain you with interview and later say, sorry visa number is finished?
I am really anxious because i have my BIO later on 4/20 and god knows when will I get interview....and if Visa number will still be available then?

[koubiak]

Congrats on your successful interview.
I thought they would do your interview because there was visa number available for you till that date right?
Can they entertain you with interview and later say, sorry visa number is finished?
I am really anxious because i have my BIO later on 4/20 and god knows when will I get interview....and if Visa number will still be available then?

So there are cases when they accept an I-485 even when your number is not current (at least that happened in the past). So then they need to check that your visa number is current at the end of the process.

In my case I don't think this is an issue.

If you did not get an interview after 30 days of receiving your notification you should call and complain. They will try to do something then.


Good luck

[Digitalspree]

You mentioned that they said you should get your green card in 4-6 weeks? that long?? i thought it only took between 1-2 weeks. Or is this specific to your case or something?

I finally got invited to an interview...after 90 days after the biometrics.

Im an F1 student, never worked, and the letter said i need to show proof of job and how much i make....except im not allowed to work unless on campus...but i do have an affidavit of support. Any ideas? Could they have made a mistake?

[singhaikola]

So there are cases when they accept an I-485 even when your number is not current (at least that happened in the past). So then they need to check that your visa number is current at the end of the process.

In my case I don't think this is an issue.

If you did not get an interview after 30 days of receiving your notification you should call and complain. They will try to do something then.


Good luck

Hmm..thanks. Just to clarify, I am current in April. I will try to call them after a week or so if I don't hear anything after the BIO.

[Strictly_Analog]

I finally got invited to an interview...after 90 days after the biometrics.

Thank you . I am a F-1as well. I have been waiting for 45 days since the biometrics and no interview letter yet. I'll just keep on waiting. May I ask where is your Field Office?. Thanks


-SA

[gkds52]

Hello guys
Just a quick question...
My husband and I just got our bio appointment letters. Is this normal that we are not on the same day? He is scheduled for wed and i m scheduled for thursday.
(I m the main applicant)
Thanks very much!

[Digitalspree]

I live in denver co, so denver field office. I will visit the USCIS center and ask them about the emplyee thing to make sure its not a problem..i think they mistook me for applying for a green card through emplyment/job offer...i guess they forgot you can get it through the lottery also.

2012EUXXX145XX

Current in January

1/1/2012 Sent AOS package

1/13/2012 Confirmation received electronically

1/17/2012 Biometrics scheduled for 2/04/2012

2/04/2012 Biometrics cancelled due to bad weather so...

2/08/2012 actual biometrics date

4/19/2012 Interview letter

5/07/2012 Interview???

Green card???? aghh!!!

30 freaking days??? ughh...

[as21k]

Hi gkds52,

That's normal, I had a similar type of appointment late Wednesday and Thursday morning.

Actually you can go with him on Wednesday and tell them that you guys are related, they will take care both biometrics. They did for us very happily.

Hello guys
Just a quick question...
My husband and I just got our bio appointment letters. Is this normal that we are not on the same day? He is scheduled for wed and i m scheduled for thursday.
(I m the main applicant)
Thanks very much!

[rgm_rc]

I live in denver co, so denver field office. I will visit the USCIS center and ask them about the emplyee thing to make sure its not a problem..i think they mistook me for applying for a green card through emplyment/job offer...i guess they forgot you can get it through the lottery also.

2012EUXXX145XX

Current in January

1/1/2012 Sent AOS package

1/13/2012 Confirmation received electronically

1/17/2012 Biometrics scheduled for 2/04/2012

2/04/2012 Biometrics cancelled due to bad weather so...

2/08/2012 actual biometrics date

4/19/2012 Interview letter

5/07/2012 Interview???

Green card???? aghh!!!

30 freaking days??? ughh...

Im from Romania, anyone else from Romania or nearby ?

I haven't read any of your previous posts (if there were any).
I think visiting the USCIS is not worth as not many people there know much about the green card lottery. I went to ask questions and didn't help.
As for the interview, just relax and go to the interview whenever is scheduled. Do not stress to much about it. It is mostly yes no questions. Have the documents the interview letter mentions and you'll be fine. After that you'll receive the approval letters and the say the GC will follow in 30 days. I got mine after approx 4-5 days after the approval letters. Good luck. (from Ro too is that matters)

[Digitalspree]

I haven't read any of your previous posts (if there were any).
I think visiting the USCIS is not worth as not many people there know much about the green card lottery. I went to ask questions and didn't help.
As for the interview, just relax and go to the interview whenever is scheduled. Do not stress to much about it. It is mostly yes no questions. Have the documents the interview letter mentions and you'll be fine. After that you'll receive the approval letters and the say the GC will follow in 30 days. I got mine after approx 4-5 days after the approval letters. Good luck. (from Ro too is that matters)

Cool, romanians are awesome! lol what was your EU number? im in the 15000's.