to U Kumar, and all waiting for stamping - tips!!!
Here's some tips I'd like to share so you can have a pleasant experience stamping - just like mine!
(1) Go to the INS office the earliest time possible, if you can be there before the office opens, the better as the lines are really bad ang long as you go during the day. I happen to be an early bird, so no problem queueing to get inside. Also, they are very strict and will inspect your backpack or anything you have. You will be inspected, just like if you are on the airport. I happen to have a swiss knife on my backpack and once detected on the xray machine, they made me leave it on the front counter and can only get it after I leave the building - that's how stressed out they are there!!!!
(2) Bring you NOA (original or courtesy) - I happen to have both, so no problem there
(3) 2 INS-spec photo (just like in the EAD). The guards even checked it and ask me if it was taken 30 days before - I said, 'It was taken yesterday'
(4) Bring PASSPORt for stamping!
Once inside, go to the designated room that was specified in the NOA. Once on the room, I don't know if its all the same for all INS offices, but the instruction was: Put all documents -i.e. EAD, 485 NOA, photo, together with passport and wait till officer calls your name.
So I left it on the counter and waited for like, 15 min and after that, officer called my name and I signed the card and fingerprint(index finger) twice - I think this will be on the plastic card. Officer didnt ask any questions. After that, told me to wait for a few minutes and after about 10mins, I was called again and, voila! my passport has been stamped!!!!!
It was a very pleasant experience for me. So hopefully, everyone waiting for their stamping, with these tips, you can have a very pleasant, just like mine, experience stamping your passport.
Also, after that, I didnt forget to get my swiss knife at the front counter!!!
Cheers!