njrirlabor said:Is there anyone in this forum, who has had their FP done in Newark recently. I would like to know, the following:
a) How long does the process take.
b) What documentation I need to take with me.
c) Do I need to go in very much in advance.
Thank you
Regards
I did my FP in Newark, NJ and here is my experience:
a) We reached there 3 hrs ahead of the appointed time but really didn't need to. There are four "waits" before the actual finger printing is done. First wait is in a line which stretches from the street to the main door, through the stairs to the main enterance door. There were about 30-40 people in line ahead of us but every 15 mins, they would clear in about 15-20 people. So this didn't too long. Just make sure you are prepared for the weather if the wait in this line is very long and you have to stand outside. At this enterance, they look at your fingerprint appointment letter and then bring you in to a sitting area. Here it takes another 15 mins or so. Then they put you in a serpentine line where you pass your time filling up a form. Another 15 mins wait in this line. Finally, they look at your ID (driver's license or passport or EAD), give you a token and then make you wait in the main waiting area where you can see which token number is currently being processed. The numbers move quickly but it still took us about half hr before our turn. When our turn came, they started the job of taking fingerprints and biometeric data, including taking our picture, etc. All in all, it took us less than 2 hrs to finish the complete process. Once they take all this information, thats it, you are free to go. Ofcourse if you happen to be unfortunate and there is a much longer line (or if they are short on staff due to vacations) then factor that in.
b) If I remember correctly, all they needed was the appointment letter and an ID (EAD/Drivers Licence/Passport) but we did take everything including appointment letter, copy of approved 140, copy of all filed applications (485, etc), EAD, Passport+I-94s, Driver's License, etc. No harm carrying a few extra ounces of paperwork. Just remember, cellphones (turned on), food/beverages, even carryon bag is not allowed in. There is a car parking, though a bit expensive, 2 buildings east of this place and you can leave your things in the car once your line starts moving.
c) I will still suggest going 3 hrs in advance though I think you will be okay even if you arrive an hr or two earlier. Our appointment was in the morning around 11ish and we reached around 7:30-8.
Good luck!