• Hello Members, This forums is for DV lottery visas only. For other immigration related questions, please go to our forums home page, find the related forum and post it there.

DV 2016 AOS Only

Fenton said:
Awesome, thanks. I'm trying to be prepared for every possible outcome during September. Our NIV will still be valid til mid 2017, then we have to exit/re-enter the country to extend it (E2). Do you think there could be a problem with that in the future if it gets to that? Anyway that's something that shouldn't matter, as I'm planning on getting it sorted at tomorrow's infopass. Thanks for all your help!
Click to expand...
So, went to Infopass today, and went through my checklist of things to ask about, and found out what our case's problem was - as I understand it, a contractor (whoever this is) hasn't given USCIS a receipt for the package they need to process our case. It seemed to be unusual, a mistake that had been made by them. The guy we got was probably the most helpful rep I've seen in customer service anywhere. He went and got our file, talked to supervisors, expedited our case. He said we should get a call in a day or so. Awesome!
 
Last edited:
XX2016 said:
@Christian Sakai - My assessmeent of the NY FO is that they are not handling that many DV cases and are tending to lump all the I-485's together. If you followed my original post on 9/30, the officer told me that my DV case would follow normal process as for other I-485's. This was during the INFOPASS appointment and I had the opportunity to elaborate further on the need for urgency. Luckily the officer took my number and called me the following day to tell me that I should be getting get feedback in the mail in 3 days time (will be cheking my mail box starting tomorrow). Both Mom and Brit have recommended I should take to the next INFOPASS (if I have to go back) a copy of the 2013 USCIS memo on adjudication of DV cases. Page 2 paragraph 2 of the memo indicates the need for USCIS to complete the the process by Sept 30. But I dont think they can be forced to comply. https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Laws/Memoranda/2013/August/DV-Related I-485 Applications .pdf
Click to expand...

Thank you EURO2014 and XX2016.
 
Christian Sakai said:
Hello Mom/Brit,

Today I called USCIS office to ask for my case status and request for expediting status. The rep mentioned that they are processing case on October 2015 and will take a while before processing my case. I explained that my case is a DV lottery case which will end September 30th 2016. The rep asked where my FO is, which I stated in NYC. The rep said she is writing a letter to request for a case expediting. I just got the email response back from NY FO stating that they can't expedite the request.

The status of this service request is:

On 09/02/2016, you or your representative contacted USCIS concerning your Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to notify us that you were requesting an expedited review of your case. Below is a summary of what we found and how the issue has been resolved.

We regret to inform you that we cannot grant your request for expedited processing of your Form I-485. You have not provided evidence of an extreme emergent need, which must meet one of the following criteria:
*Severe financial loss to company or individual;
*Extreme emergent situation;
*Humanitarian situation;
*Nonprofit status of requesting organization in furtherance of the cultural and social interests States;
*U.S. Department of Defense or national interest situation (Note: Request must come from an official U.S. Government entity and state that delay will be detrimental to our Government);
*USCIS error; or
*Compelling interest of USCIS.

All expedite requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are granted at the discretion of the Director.

Your application is still pending adjudication. We regret that we are not able to give you a timeframe for when we will complete the review of your application.

We hope this information is helpful and appreciate your continued patience.
-----------------------------------
Online Services
We offer many online services and tools to help you find the information you need. Please visit our Web site at www.uscis.gov for information about:
* Using our Case Status Online tool;
* Signing up for case status updates;
* Checking processing times;
* Submitting an e-Request to inquire about certain applications and petitions;
* Using our Office Locator;
* Using InfoPass to schedule an appointment; and
* Downloading forms.

I will have another INFOPASS on 9/14. Meanwhile, I will try to contact my congress person or ombudsman (which one is better at this point?) and ask for help.

Any thoughts?
Click to expand...

All the FOs are used to receiving expedite requests for all sorts of cases, they standard response is a 'No' like you just received. Which is we we keep emphasizing going on INFOPASS appointments - you get them to put a face to your case. You keep going back even when it appears like they're telling you what they told you before, you continue to go and present your case in person. It also helps to be armed with the right information and well prepared to argue one's case by the way when going on these appointments.
 
Sm1smom said:
All the FOs are used to receiving expedite requests for all sorts of cases, they standard response is a 'No' like you just received. Which is we we keep emphasizing going on INFOPASS appointments - you get them to put a face to your case. You keep going back even when it appears like they're telling you what they told you before, you continue to go and present your case in person. It also helps to be armed with the right information and well prepared to argue one's case by the way when going on these appointments.
Click to expand...

Thanks Mom,

Just want to clarify. At my next INFOPASS appointment (9/14). What kind of information should I definitely insist on getting out from that INFOPASS? The reason I'm asking is because I don't want to be too pushy at the FO but at the same time don't want to be just satisfied with a pat on the head (which I did at my previous INFOPASS before).

Also, at this point, is it worth contacting Ombudsman? The DHS-700 form requires me to upload additional supporting documents, which limits 10 files, and total size is 5 MB, seems impossible! Therefore I want to just mail the supporting documents, which obviously will take time.
 
XX2016 said:
@Christian Sakai - My assessmeent of the NY FO is that they are not handling that many DV cases and are tending to lump all the I-485's together. If you followed my original post on 9/30, the officer told me that my DV case would follow normal process as for other I-485's. This was during the INFOPASS appointment and I had the opportunity to elaborate further on the need for urgency. Luckily the officer took my number and called me the following day to tell me that I should be getting get feedback in the mail in 3 days time (will be cheking my mail box starting tomorrow). Both Mom and Brit have recommended I should take to the next INFOPASS (if I have to go back) a copy of the 2013 USCIS memo on adjudication of DV cases. Page 2 paragraph 2 of the memo indicates the need for USCIS to complete the the process by Sept 30. But I dont think they can be forced to comply. https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Laws/Memoranda/2013/August/DV-Related I-485 Applications .pdf
Click to expand...

I disagree with the claim about the NY office not being used to handling DV cases and lumping them together with all the other AOS cases. If that were to be the case, you wouldn't have had your interview by now as a matter of fact. Check out the USCIS timeline status online to see where the NY FO is with AOS cases in general.

The NY FO is one of the busy FOs. While they may not seem to be adjudicating DV based AOS cases as quickly as other FOs seem to be doing, they're still putting DV based AOS cases ahead of these other cases. You guys need to realize the that the DV process is an ongoing cycle for the FOs, there's always a new set of DV based AOS cases they have to deal with every FY. The FOs are doing their best to accommodate this while dealing with other cases too. They can't simply drop every other case once a DV based case shows up, they work it into their schedule which is only fair considering how much longer other cases get pushed back.
 
Christian Sakai said:
Thanks Mom,

Just want to clarify. At my next INFOPASS appointment (9/14). What kind of information should I definitely insist on getting out from that INFOPASS? The reason I'm asking is because I don't want to be too pushy at the FO but at the same time don't want to be just satisfied with a pat on the head (which I did at my previous INFOPASS before).

Also, at this point, is it worth contacting Ombudsman? The DHS-700 form requires me to upload additional supporting documents, which limits 10 files, and total size is 5 MB, seems impossible! Therefore I want to just mail the supporting documents, which obviously will take time.
Click to expand...

You cannot "insist" on getting any information from USCIS at your INFOPASS, being able to process AOS is a privilege afforded to potential immigrants already based in the US, it is not a right.

Compile a list of what questions to ask, we've provided this in the last two to three pages of this Thread on different posts, go through the questions one by one.

Provide this information from the USCIS webpage that says: (bookmark the link or print out the entire page)

"The adjustment of status process for diversity visa winners must be completed by September 30 of the fiscal year the lottery pertains to. Visas cannot be carried over to the next fiscal year."

https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/ot...card-through-diversity-immigrant-visa-program

Also present the 2013 Memo we've been talking about in the last couple of posts.

You will be presenting all these evidence to get whoever you speak with to understand the urgency behind your case. You may also request to speak with a Supervisor, no guarantee they will get the supervisor but it's worth a shot!
 
Sm1smom said:
You cannot "insist" on getting any information from USCIS at your INFOPASS, being able to process AOS is a privilege afforded to potential immigrants already based in the US, it is not a right.

Compile a list of what questions to ask, we've provided this in the last two to three pages of this Thread on different posts, go through the questions one by one.

Provide this information from the USCIS webpage that says: (bookmark the link or print out the entire page)

"The adjustment of status process for diversity visa winners must be completed by September 30 of the fiscal year the lottery pertains to. Visas cannot be carried over to the next fiscal year."

https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/ot...card-through-diversity-immigrant-visa-program

Also present the 2013 Memo we've been talking about in the last couple of posts.

You will be presenting all these evidence to get whoever you speak with to understand the urgency behind your case. You may also request to speak with a Supervisor, no guarantee they will get the supervisor but it's worth a shot!
Click to expand...

Thanks Mom! This is very, very helpful!
 
I got my first letter saying they received my application on June 27 and went for my biometrics July 18. I was hoping that I was on the right track so I didn’t do much and started getting worried towards the end of August.


Made a service request specifically as a diversity visa applicant, sent a request to the DHS Ombudsman as well as help from my congressman.


Biggest breakthrough came today, September 2nd, because I had an INFOPASS appointment at my Philadelphia field office. Went in, treated them like the gatekeepers to Heaven, bowed my head and acted like a stupid student who has actually done his homework. In the end of the day if you’re working in immigration you probably are somewhat passionate about it, so if you’re nice and come in with that attitude they should be willing to help.


Literally said that they’re just going to conduct the interview right now and sent me up to an interview room with an immigration officer. Went over the case, asked a bunch of questions that felt more like verifying information more than them trying to get anything new from you.


Interesting thing was when she asked for my I-20s, forms from the Justice Department given to universities to verify you are a student. She said that with that final document my application is done and would require nothing else but approval.


Seriously, INFOPASS is the biggest factor this happened (BIG, BIG, BIG THANKS to this forum!)


Stay up and drink coffee and stare at that laptop like a hawk if you have to, as soon as an appointment slot opens up be over that crap like Drake was all over Rihanna’s ass at the VMAs.


Wishing you luck good peeps, and have a great day or whatever time it is at your corner of the world.
 
Eth said:
On uscis website its still finger print fee was received
Click to expand...
Thank you @Eth for this feedback (thought you would not be available after obtaining your good news :) ). Your comment confirms the inconsistency of the Status Updates @Britsimon @Sm1smom : True to say USCIS status updates are unreliable?? Any insights on how the updates are refreshed?
 
Eth said:
I can't update my timeline cause no permission
Click to expand...
@Eth You may open the spreadsheet and request for access from one of of the dropdown options. (Click on blue button saying "View Only" and click "Request Edit Access". There could be another way - cant remember clearly exactly how I did it).
 
Hello Mom and Brit,

I got my interview letter yesterday. It is scheduled on Sept 22th 2016, 9:20 AM at my NY FO. I have an INFOPASS at Sept 14th, should I just cancel it or is there anything that it can be a use of?

I'm just wondering, oOn page 3, it says "Bring the documentation listed below to your interview". Some of those are: financial statements and medical examination report. Strangely, I submitted those with my AOS package. Nevertheless, I'll bring those again.
 
Christian Sakai said:
Hello Mom and Brit,

I got my interview letter yesterday. It is scheduled on Sept 22th 2016, 9:20 AM at my NY FO. I have an INFOPASS at Sept 14th, should I just cancel it or is there anything that it can be a use of?

I'm just wondering, oOn page 3, it says "Bring the documentation listed below to your interview". Some of those are: financial statements and medical examination report. Strangely, I submitted those with my AOS package. Nevertheless, I'll bring those again.
Click to expand...

Cancel the INFOPASS since it comes before your now scheduled interview. You can meanwhile look for a new appointment slot a week after your interview. This will be a 'just in case' appointment which you may end up not using also if your case gets approved before that date.

Your IL is a generic one, don't sweat the fact that you've already submitted what it's asking for. Still take everything with you of course.
 
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

My case has not resolved yet (done everything and been waiting for Welcome Letter / GC for the last one month) but I feel compelled to register my tribute to a few notables on this forum. I am from Kenya and I am invoking my proud culture to speak up whenever I witness good (or evil).

The work being done by @Britsimon and @Sm1smom, with constant support from @EURO2014 and @SusieQQQ (and several others) is commendable and unprecedented on social media.

These individuals have dedicated a huge chunk of their personal time to helping multitudes people from across the globe who need (often urgent) immigration advise, especially on the Diversity Visa process. It is notable that they are simultaneously keeping track of various strings on more than half a dozen pages (with numerous topics related to DV 2016 and now transitioning to DV2017, some of which are specific-country related). Britsimon is also keeping the fire burning on http://britsimonsays.com/

As many would agree, the contribution by these volunteers is sterling and there is no equal on the entire Cyberspace. You’d pay an attorney hundreds if not thousands of dollars (depending on the stage at which you sign them on) for consultation on this process (especially for Adjustment of Status, Form I-485). When I recently tried talking to a lawyer for intervention on my pending DV 2016 AOS and I walked them through the steps I had covered, they said there is nothing more they could do to help as I had "done everything that needs to be done" (and they were genuinely appreciative of the depth of information I had on the subject, thanks to you volunteers).

Nothing exemplifies your dedication more than how you steered a unique case with ONE individual in MOROCCO to success (no matter the outcome of the interview). This was one anxious person and you selflessly held his/her (@Talhicham) hand through the process. You did not even take any personal credit when he/she eventually had a breakthrough, and to you the plight of one indivdual was as important as the success of hundreds of others. (http://forums.immigration.com/threads/just-found-out-i-was-selected-last-year.332164/). I am deeply moved.

When I tried making advisory comments with my two weeks of experience on the forum a few days ago I realized I often got out of order as my insights would not match the expertise of these volunteer SUPER MODERATORS and WELL KNOWN MEMBERS.

You people are individually deserving of a PhD in “Immigration Affairs” (whichever concentration you want to choose!). THANK YOU for your global public service!
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top