A # on Green card different from I485 receipt notice

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lprkhoj

Registered Users (C)
I posted this on a different forum but I suppose this is where it belongs to.

Hi guys,

I received my GC a couple of weeks back. Though it was such a big relief, I just realized that the A # on it is different from the one on I485 Receipt notice. Is it something that's possible and nothing to worry about (for one, my wife's GC has the same A# as on her receipt notice)? I am traveling outside the country next week, so want to ensure there wouldn't be any issues with this .

I have had different A # (on F1-EAD/H1-B and I-485) along different immigration stages. I know that's okay. But is it likely that they consolidated all prior A # into one and assigned me a new A # when issuing GC.

The A# on GC matches the one on Approval notice. Also, LIN # on GC (among the codes at the bottom) though matches that of I485.

I have taken an infopass appointment and am checking with my lawyer as well but want to see if someone else has experienced this.

-A
 
lprkhoj said:
I posted this on a different forum but I suppose this is where it belongs to.

Hi guys,

I received my GC a couple of weeks back. Though it was such a big relief, I just realized that the A # on it is different from the one on I485 Receipt notice. Is it something that's possible and nothing to worry about (for one, my wife's GC has the same A# as on her receipt notice)? I am traveling outside the country next week, so want to ensure there wouldn't be any issues with this .

I have had different A # (on F1-EAD/H1-B and I-485) along different immigration stages. I know that's okay.

But is it likely that they consolidated all prior A # into one and assigned me a new A # when issuing GC.
------------------------I think you are correct.
The A# on GC matches the one on Approval notice. Also, LIN # on GC (among the codes at the bottom) though matches that of I485.
--------------------------that is ok.
I have taken an infopass appointment and am checking with my lawyer as well but want to see if someone else has experienced this.
----------------------- If your lawyer is good he may shed some light why USCIS may have assigned you new A# on I-485 approval notice and on GC. I don’t think Local USCIS office will be of any help.
-A
Click to expand...

---------------------
 
Thanks Ginnu for your response. Your words are encouraging.

Yes, I'll check what my lawyer has to say on this. As regards to the local office, all I want to check is if this A # actually belongs to me. I believe the local office should be able to check this up on their system, atleast that's what my experience is based on a prior visit. As long as it belongs to me, I think I should be okay since A # on approval notice and GC are the same.

Its unlikely that I am the only one who's seen this. I am pretty sure there are others who have seen this discrepancy. I am just hoping that someone would share his/her experience, especially since I have to travel abroad this week.

-A
 
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A# same as on I140 approval notice

Well... just checked my I140 approval notice and it has the A # that matches the one on GC. Here's the chronological sequence of events with transitions from one A # to another:

1. OPT EAD and H1-Bs: With A # one
2. I140 filed: Early July 2007
2. I485 filed: Late July 2007 (hence non-concurrent) with A # one
3. I485 receipt notice: Late Aug, 2007 with A # two
4. I765 filed: Early Sep 2007
5. I131 filed: Early Oct 2007
6. c9 EAD approved: Late Oct 2007 with A # two
7. AP approved: Early Feb 2008 with A # two
8. I140 approved: Early Feb 2008 with A # three
9. I485 approved: Early Aug 2008 with A # three
10. GC received: Mid Aug 2008 with A # three

So it seems like I moved from A # one to A # two when USCIS issued the I485 receipt notice and then moved to A # three when I140 was approved. All the notices/approvals from USCIS after I140 approval bear the A# that's on the final GC.

I think people who've had I140 approved prior to filing I485 or filed I140 concurrently with I485 have their A # on I485 receipt notice matching the one on GC... just a personal inference based on a few cases that I have seen.

All in all, it might not be as bad as it initially looked like. Still would want to get some insight from my lawyer.

Just to make things clearer.

-A
 
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1/ Called USCIS: The IO couldnt check my personal information but did mention that if A # on I140 approval is same as the one on GC, dont bother about the one on I485 receipt notice. A # on I140 should match the one on I485 approval notice and on GC, which it does in my case.

2/ Checked with my lawyer: He also had exactly the same thing to say. Since GC is based off the approved I140 and if A # on I140 approval matches the one on GC, there shouldnt be any worries.

I am thinking of canceling my infoPass appointment for tomorrow. I dont want to confuse the IO there and cause unnecessary hassles.

-A
 
You'll be OK as far as your GC is concerned. But expect a delay when you apply for citizenship, as delays are common with people who have multiple A#.
 
I have different A numbers on I-140 (filed separately from I-485 and approved before filing I-485) and I-485. I have same A# on EAD, AP and GC as on I-485. In other words, the A# on my approved I-140 doesn't match the final A# on GC. I think I'm ok.
 
jefkorn said:
I have different A numbers on I-140 (filed separately from I-485 and approved before filing I-485) and I-485. I have same A# on EAD, AP and GC as on I-485. In other words, the A# on my approved I-140 doesn't match the final A# on GC. I think I'm ok.
Click to expand...
Until you apply for citizenship and the multiple A#'s confuse them and require them to do extra research after the interview.
 
jefkorn said:
I have different A numbers on I-140 (filed separately from I-485 and approved before filing I-485) and I-485.

I have same A# on EAD, AP and GC as on I-485.
----------------------------that is ok
In other words, the A# on my approved I-140 doesn't match the final A# on GC. I think I'm ok.
Click to expand...

You are OK
 
Jackolantern said:
You'll be OK as far as your GC is concerned. But expect a delay when you apply for citizenship, as delays are common with people who have multiple A#.
Click to expand...

Poster has same A# on I-140 and I-485 and GC. he will not have problems at the time of US citizenship. his/her case is employment based and at the time of his I-485 approval they have rap sheet in his file about all his past A#. Those who have multiple A# in past one can write a cover letter at the time of filing US citizenship and can explain. Many who have filed two I-485 and have two A# should also explain so that before the interview local office can get the complete file of persons immigration history or A file.
 
jefkorn said:
I have different A numbers on I-140 (filed separately from I-485 and approved before filing I-485) and I-485. I have same A# on EAD, AP and GC as on I-485. In other words, the A# on my approved I-140 doesn't match the final A# on GC. I think I'm ok.
Click to expand...

I think you'd be okay too since you had a new A # assigned at the time of I485 receipting. Everything after that is consistent as far a A # is concerned. In my case, I140 wasnt approved when I485 was receipted, yet has a different A #. I think that's fine too since after I140 approval every notice/approval from USCIS bears this new A #.
 
ginnu said:
Those who have multiple A# in past one can write a cover letter at the time of filing US citizenship and can explain.
Click to expand...

Thanks, Ginnu. Its good to have different opinions, and seems like they are somewhat consistent here. Bottom line, as I can gather, is that having multiple A # does create a situation that requires some care at the time of naturalization. Good to know ahead of time.
 
lprkhoj said:
Thanks, Ginnu. Its good to have different opinions, and seems like they are somewhat consistent here. Bottom line, as I can gather, is that having multiple A # does create a situation that requires some care at the time of naturalization. Good to know ahead of time.
Click to expand...

It only creates problems if one has more than one file with different A# numbers and USCIS need to make one file for you or consolidate all the files in one file at the time of US citizenship and after citizenship interview once one gets citizenship file is sent to national record center. You don’t have multiple files that USCIS has to consolidate in one file. It is better to write on cover letter your history of A# as you posted.
 
Update:

Traveled abroad and re-entered on GC without any problem.

Also was told that there's no immigration form (white or green) required to be filled if entering as permanent resident, only customs form is required.

-A
 
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