DV 2020 AOS Only

[MNA2020]

Got my biometrics taken today, code 3 (10 fingers) for both myself and my spouse, two separate letters but for the same time slot. Arrived 15 minutes ahead of the time, had a line of 5 people ahead of me outside of building, took about 30 minutes from arriving to leaving the building. Had our Applicants's Information Worksheets (AIW) attached to our bio letters already filled. Look forward to ILs. Also FYI - if you wear glasses - you will be requested to take glasses off for the picture.

 

[MNA2020]

When I called USCIS a few weeks ago they said my “case was with the Brooklyn FO”. I spoke to a Tier 2 last week and they said the same, that my case had been sent to the Bk FO and is assigned to an officer. The wording is so similar, but I’m not sure if it means the same as the case file being transferred from KCC or simply means my application is being processed.

Same - USCIS told me something along the lines of "...the file is already with the FO...". Wonder if/whether KCC and USCIS are are talking of the same thing?

 

[mmmb]

Got my biometrics taken today, code 3 (10 fingers) for both myself and my spouse, two separate letters but for the same time slot. Arrived 15 minutes ahead of the time, had a line of 5 people ahead of me outside of building, took about 30 minutes from arriving to leaving the building. Had our Applicants's Information Worksheets (AIW) attached to our bio letters already filled. Look forward to ILs. Also FYI - if you wear glasses - you will be requested to take glasses off for the picture.

Mom earlier sent the below message about the codes.

Code 1 – 10 Prints Only - USCIS will take a scan of your fingerprints
Code 2 – Photo, Signature, Index Finger Print - USCIS will take a digital photo, obtain your signature, and finger print your index finger
Code 3 – 10 prints, photos, signature, and Index finger print - All of the above
Code 5 - One hand fingerprints - 4 digit print of the one hand only (minus the thumb), picture and signature

 

[Dawton]

My FO is San Francisco. I just checked my online status and it changed to "New Card Is Being Produced". This has be so stressful and we know we still have to wait for the card. But THANK YOU for all the help and support in this forum. It has been informative and it helped to see everyone is helping each other. I hope the others with San Francisco FO will get their biometrics/interview soon. We had interview 2 weeks ago and our biometrics on Wednesday. Good luck to everyone!

 

[Marconi]

Contact your House of rep person and request their assistance with initiating a congressional case follow/up inquiry with your FO on your behalf.

Hi Mom, I got this today

Spoiler: House of rep office response

U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services is very aware of the deadline for Diversity cases. These cases have a higher priority than most because they are time sensitive. Mr. Marconi's case is currently pending review. He will be notified as soon as a decision has been made.

I personally don't see any reason why it's takes them so long (5-6 months) working with my case. Do you think anything else I can do?

 

[AoShole]

just called them, and voice recording said, they are closed due to inclement weather.

That's just the silly voice message that plays, when their office is closed, after hours, or they can't answer, and I really wish they would change it. Just call back before 4pm EDT, until they answer.

When I called USCIS a few weeks ago they said my “case was with the Brooklyn FO”. I spoke to a Tier 2 last week and they said the same, that my case had been sent to the Bk FO and is assigned to an officer. The wording is so similar, but I’m not sure if it means the same as the case file being transferred from KCC or simply means my application is being processed.

Same - USCIS told me something along the lines of "...the file is already with the FO...". Wonder if/whether KCC and USCIS are are talking of the same thing?

USCIS representatives would almost certainly be referring to your I-485 applications being received by the FO, from the lockbox/NBC; this came up before:

To clarify- the I-485 AoS application goes to the lockbox, then to NBC, then the field office. KCC has your DV case file. When the FO gets your USCIS I-485 application from the NBC, they need to request your DV case from the KCC- or at least that's how it was described to me. I was periodically calling the KCC, to check if this had been done, as a way of assessing whether my matter was progressing or not.

To add to 2020AS00011xxx's comment- whilst it may not be of concern, if KCC hasn't sent your file to your FO, at any particular point in the process, it is something that gets overlooked sometimes, based on what I've read, on these forums, hence why I was checking it regularly, and submitted a service request for it. In 2020, with 2 months to go, I'm trying not to leave anything to chance.

 

[Sm1smom]

When I called USCIS a few weeks ago they said my “case was with the Brooklyn FO”. I spoke to a Tier 2 last week and they said the same, that my case had been sent to the Bk FO and is assigned to an officer. The wording is so similar, but I’m not sure if it means the same as the case file being transferred from KCC or simply means my application is being processed.

Ok. So the case file being discussed in the post you quoted wasn’t talking USCIS phone reps. Please read it within the context of what was being discussed.

 

[Sm1smom]

Same - USCIS told me something along the lines of "...the file is already with the FO...". Wonder if/whether KCC and USCIS are are talking of the same thing?

Why on earth will the USCIS and the KCC be referring to the same case file? You guys really need to be reading posts within the context of what is being discussed. Don’t look at posts in isolation or look at a single post and start inferring meanings to it.

KCC file reference came up when I asked some who had already completed both their bio check and interview but is still waiting for an approval to contact KCC to see if KCC had received a request for the KCC file from their FO. I clearly wrote “KCC file” in that post. I followed up by explaining the IO cannot approve the case without the KCC file.

So how can the KCC and USCIS be talking about the same file? Would this person have been interviewed by the FO if the FO didn’t have the USCIS case file?

 

[Sm1smom]

Hi Mom, I got this today

Spoiler: House of rep office response

U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services is very aware of the deadline for Diversity cases. These cases have a higher priority than most because they are time sensitive. Mr. Marconi's case is currently pending review. He will be notified as soon as a decision has been made.

I personally don't see any reason why it's takes them so long (5-6 months) working with my case. Do you think anything else I can do?

They are technically speaking not “working” on your case for 5-6 months. They typically put case files such as yours aside while they continue working on others. You can blame your CS for not properly completing your medical form in the first place. If the form was properly completed and your background check had already cleared as at the time of your interview, you most likely would have received a decision by now.

Couple of things you can do while waiting:
1. Contact KCC to find out if your KCC has been requested by your FO
2. Call the USCIS 1800 and speak with a tier 2 rep to see if they can initiate a follow up request with your FO on your behalf.
3. Submit e-Request

NOTE: 2&3 are simply ways of bringing your case back to the attention of your FO or the IO assigned to the case.

 

[aussie expat]

Why on earth will the USCIS and the KCC be referring to the same case file? You guys really need to be reading posts within the context of what is being discussed. Don’t look at posts in isolation or look at a single post and start inferring meanings to it.

KCC file reference came up when I asked some who had already completed both their bio check and interview but is still waiting for an approval to contact KCC to see if KCC had received a request for the KCC file from their FO. I clearly wrote “KCC file” in that post. I followed up by explaining the IO cannot approve the case without the KCC file.

So how can the KCC and USCIS be talking about the same file? Would this person have been interviewed by the FO if the FO didn’t have the USCIS case file?

Thank you for explaining. The words being used were the same so it wasn’t clear. I’m not a lawyer and I’m learning about an extremely confusing and stressful process in a very short time. I really appreciate your help with navigating it.

 

[asm_dv]

I am assuming this based on what I learned through the process about the difference between "KCC Case File" and "FO Case".

1. When USCIS says your "Case" is at XX Field Office, it means that your case has been assigned there and most probably a USCIS's own summarized version of your case is being read by the IO. As we go through biometrics and other processes leading up to interview that particular summary file is getting updated. Like the case status you see and somewhat extended version (I am assuming mostly the I-485 form, I-693 forms are there). So, your AOS package i.e. its digital copy is not at the FO, at that point.

2. KCC have scanned all your paperwork you submitted for the AOS and creates a digital file of your case. So, when your case is ready for interview then depending on your IO, they request that "Digitized scanned case file" before or after the interview. I specifically asked the KCC rep how they send the case file, and he said they send the file by email.

*I think they destroy/shred all hardcopies as they have repeatedly stated in notices and memo that don't send original (except translation) as it will be destroyed. Makes sense its personal information of millions of people over the year.

Hopefully this helps. I might be wrong in some details but this is what I have learned.

 

[2020AS00011xxx]

I am assuming this based on what I learned through the process about the difference between "KCC Case File" and "FO Case".

1. When USCIS says your "Case" is at XX Field Office, it means that your case has been assigned there and most probably a USCIS's own summarized version of your case is being read by the IO. As we go through biometrics and other processes leading up to interview that particular summary file is getting updated. Like the case status you see and somewhat extended version (I am assuming mostly the I-485 form, I-693 forms are there). So, your AOS package i.e. its digital copy is not at the FO, at that point.

2. KCC have scanned all your paperwork you submitted for the AOS and creates a digital file of your case. So, when your case is ready for interview then depending on your IO, they request that "Digitized scanned case file" before or after the interview. I specifically asked the KCC rep how they send the case file, and he said they send the file by email.

*I think they destroy/shred all hardcopies as they have repeatedly stated in notices and memo that don't send original (except translation) as it will be destroyed. Makes sense its personal information of millions of people over the year.

Hopefully this helps. I might be wrong in some details but this is what I have learned.

No, KCC file doens't mean that! All DV lottery selectees whether they are going through CP or AOS have a file with KCC. It's simply because KCC keeps a record of selectees. Even if "visa" by itself doesn't mean in the case of AOSer but they are still supposed to use one of those 50,000 available visas. There have been years that some AOSers couldn't get their green cards because their FOs checked with KCC and found out that all visa slots had already been used up.

 

[MNA2020]

Why on earth will the USCIS and the KCC be referring to the same case file? You guys really need to be reading posts within the context of what is being discussed. Don’t look at posts in isolation or look at a single post and start inferring meanings to it.

KCC file reference came up when I asked some who had already completed both their bio check and interview but is still waiting for an approval to contact KCC to see if KCC had received a request for the KCC file from their FO. I clearly wrote “KCC file” in that post. I followed up by explaining the IO cannot approve the case without the KCC file.

So how can the KCC and USCIS be talking about the same file? Would this person have been interviewed by the FO if the FO didn’t have the USCIS case file?

Thank you @Sm1smom. It sounds you got annoyed with these questions (please don't be!) but we are just trying to understand the process. Your explanation just re-confirms my earlier understanding of the process.

The context is not always very clear, or at times not helpful, or in fact may be more confusing. This KCC file thing started coming up suddenly lately and, given some procedural abnormalities of this year, you may appreciate we are wondering what it may be.

 

[MNA2020]

That's just the silly voice message that plays, when their office is closed, after hours, or they can't answer, and I really wish they would change it. Just call back before 4pm EDT, until they answer.


USCIS representatives would almost certainly be referring to your I-485 applications being received by the FO, from the lockbox/NBC; this came up before:

Thank you @AoShole. This makes sense. At the risk of being scolded by @Sm1smom I assume it is not a literal "file" that KCC holds but rather some sort of a note about visa availability/specific DV application "registered" with SD/KCC. My (past and current) understanding is that does not make big difference calling KCC unless there are abnormal delays with decision (after bio & interview).

 

[asm_dv]

No, KCC file doens't mean that! All DV lottery selectees whether they are going through CP or AOS have a file with KCC. It's simply because KCC keeps a record of selectees. Even if "visa" by itself doesn't mean in the case of AOSer but they are still supposed to use one of those 50,000 available visas. There have been years that some AOSers couldn't get their green cards because their FOs checked with KCC and found out that all visa slots had already been used up.

Thanks for correcting

 

[Sm1smom]

I am assuming this based on what I learned through the process about the difference between "KCC Case File" and "FO Case".

1. When USCIS says your "Case" is at XX Field Office, it means that your case has been assigned there and most probably a USCIS's own summarized version of your case is being read by the IO. As we go through biometrics and other processes leading up to interview that particular summary file is getting updated. Like the case status you see and somewhat extended version (I am assuming mostly the I-485 form, I-693 forms are there). So, your AOS package i.e. its digital copy is not at the FO, at that point.

2. KCC have scanned all your paperwork you submitted for the AOS and creates a digital file of your case. So, when your case is ready for interview then depending on your IO, they request that "Digitized scanned case file" before or after the interview. I specifically asked the KCC rep how they send the case file, and he said they send the file by email.

*I think they destroy/shred all hardcopies as they have repeatedly stated in notices and memo that don't send original (except translation) as it will be destroyed. Makes sense its personal information of millions of people over the year.

Hopefully this helps. I might be wrong in some details but this is what I have learned.

1. No, not quite. No such thing as USCIS reading their own summarized version of an applicant’s case file. Everything you send to the Lockbox (with the exception of the cover letter) gets scanned into the system - that constitutes the USCIS case file. It goes from the Lockbox to the NBC, the NBC schedules the bio and deals with the I-765 and I-131 (if included with the I-485), the NBC pushes out the I-485 portion down to the FO. So when the phone reps say your case is at this or that FO, they are referring to I-485 which is indeed there regardless of the format. Take a look at the Lockbox-NBC-FO tab of the AOS spreadsheet where this is fully addressed.

2. This is completely off. KCC plays absolutely no role in the AOS process, KCC has no access to the AOS filing, they are not involved with the scanning. Again the KCC case file is different for the AOS case file. Maybe the question you guys should be asking is what is the KCC case file - this contains your original eDV entry and all other correspondence you’ve had with KCC since being selected.

*As at 2 years ago, I know the IOs used to have the physical copy of the case file in front of them, in addition to the scanned/digitized version on their computer while conducting the interview.

**The KCC case file does not contain the allocated visa as alluded in some other post above.

 

[asm_dv]

1. No, not quite. No such thing as USCIS reading their own summarized version of an applicant’s case file. Everything you send to the Lockbox (with the exception of the cover letter) gets scanned into the system - that constitutes the USCIS case file. It goes from the Lockbox to the NBC, the NBC schedules the bio and deals with the I-765 and I-131 (if included with the I-485), the NBC pushes out the I-485 portion down to the FO. So when the phone reps say your case is at this or that FO, they are referring to I-485 which is indeed there regardless of the format. Take a look at the Lockbox-NBC-FO tab of the AOS spreadsheet where this is fully addressed.

2. This is completely off. KCC plays absolutely no role in the AOS process, KCC has no access to the AOS filing, they are not involved with the scanning. Again the KCC case file is different for the AOS case file. Maybe the question you guys should be asking is what is the KCC case file - this contains your original eDV entry and all other correspondence you’ve had with KCC since being selected.

*As at 2 years ago, I know the IOs used to have the physical copy of the case file in front of them, in addition to the scanned/digitized version on their computer while conducting the interview.

**The KCC case file does not contain the allocated visa as alluded in some other post above.

Thanks @Sm1smom

 

[skip1]

Just to jump in this conversation:
When I had the interview, IO had the complete paper based version of the case in front of him. Based on how thick the whole thing was, I can fairly assume it was entire documentation, not just i-485 and i-944. I don't know if it was the documents that I sent or printed out the version of the scanned ones (doesn't even matter since it's not that relevant I think).
What has gotten my attention is that my original i-20 was requested by IO and kept for his records, even though I have provided them with copy in the AOS package.

 

[AOSnewbie]

@Sm1smom
One of my friends who just got here two weeks ago on a non-immigrant visa is adjusting his status. He has sent his $330 money order and is waiting to get the receipt.
Is it a wise decision he sends his package without the receipt and presents it at the time of interview?
Have you ever seen anyone having their package being returned from the USCIS Lockbox facility because of not including the receipt?

 

[SusieQQQ]

@Sm1smom
One of my friends who just got here two weeks ago on a non-immigrant visa is adjusting his status. He has sent his $330 money order and is waiting to get the receipt.
Is it a wise decision he sends his package without the receipt and presents it at the time of interview?
Have you ever seen anyone having their package being returned from the USCIS Lockbox facility because of not including the receipt?

What type of non immigrant visa?
it’s a little worrying now this is the second report in a couple of days of someone arriving on a NIV late July and submitting AOS. Unless these are dual intent visas, imo these people face denial for misusing their NIVs. They were not in the US when the selection was announced and immigrant intent seems obvious with rapid AOS submission, obviously they conveniently came in in possession of all the civil documents, education certificates etc needed for the process.