I have a feeling that in your case its an error )What's the difference between "case was reopened for reconsideration" vs "case was reopened"?
I have a feeling that in your case its an error )What's the difference between "case was reopened for reconsideration" vs "case was reopened"?
I found from search that mom has said KCC sends file to FO electronically. That's is a good thing. So one of my question has been answeredI completed my interview today. It took only 10 min. As many of friends here shared IO only asks Yes/No questions.
He said he has everything in terms of documents from me. Bio was cleared.
He also said they requested our file from KCC but has not received it yet. That's why he cannot give final decision today.
How does KCC send file to FO? Is it online?
How long does it take usually?
When he said he needs a file. I told him is it from KCC? He said "Yes, it seems you study this process. How can you know about file." Well, we have Mom, Susie and many more. I cannot thank you enough, Mom.
I will update once new updates happen.
Hi Rick, thank you for your reply. I have now included my information in the spreadsheet. My username is hima1990. The field office is Baltimore MD.Hi Hima, I cannot find your information on the timeline spreadsheet. Can you please clarify to which field office your case has been assigned?
Hi Mom,You need to update the timeline spreadsheet with your info. This will enable us have a better picture as to what is going on by comparing your case to similar cases and better guide you on if you need to initiate any thing at this point or not.
Thank you for the detailed help. I will try that. I didn't even know to ask them to inquire the FO on my behalf. Thank you.I'm wondering if the issue may be with the way you're asking?
I would have started by letting them know I filed as my spouse's derivative and that my spouse recently got approved without an interview and there's no update on my case. And then request to know if there's any update in the system with regards to my case. If they say, I would request they reach out to FO on my behalf for some status update since my spouse has already been approved (since they typically interview/adjudicate those cases together). Or something similar along that line.
You can also initiate a congressional inquiry at this point.Thank you for the detailed help. I will try that. I didn't even know to ask them to inquire the FO on my behalf. Thank you.
I asked the very question and got the response saying they cannot contact FO unless the case is out of normal processing time.
What can I do in this case?
How do I do that?You can also initiate a congressional inquiry at this point.
You need to update the timeline spreadsheet with your info. This will enable us have a better picture as to what is going on by comparing your case to similar cases and better guide you on if you need to initiate any thing at this point or not.
Hi Mom,
Thank you for the reply. Now I have updated the spreadsheet with my information. My username is hima1990.
How do I do that?
I tried to ask the live agent about my request several more times but every time, I got cut off and was disconnected.You can also initiate a congressional inquiry at this point.
Haven't you been following this forum and reading up on all the posts? Or you simply come over only when you have questions and do not bother to read up on what others are posting/writing? You're not helping yourself if that is what you've been doing.How do I do that?
Thank you.Haven't you been following this forum and reading up on all the posts? Or you simply come over only when you have questions and do not bother to read up on what others are posting/writing? You're not helping yourself if that is what you've been doing.
Anyway to answer your question, you need to identify your house of rep person (google how to find my congressperson). Once you find/identify them, visit their visit and follow the instructions there on how to contact and request their help.
You should actually go to their website and see if you can contact them electronically, as against waiting for someone to call you back - there's no record of this conversation, so there's no guarantee the receptionist will document or forward your call/case.I tried to ask the live agent about my request several more times but every time, I got cut off and was disconnected.
So I went ahead and called the office of my Congressman and spoke to a receptionist. Gave a brief explanation of my situation and the request for the congressional inquiry. I was told that a staff specializes in these matters will be reaching out to me by the end of the week. If that does not happen, I was told to call again.
Thank you.
excellent! Congrats !* INTERVIEW COMPLETED @ 26 FEDERAL PLAZA NYC *
Hi all
I am thrilled to report that my interview went well this morning, and my green card was approved!
Massive thanks to everyone who has shared their experiences in this forum, and taken the time to answer my questions (especially Sm1smom). Following the Q&A and the AOS Spreadsheet has seriously kept me sane throughout this whole process.
Below is a summary of my interview experience @ 26 Federal Plaze NYC, in case it helps anyone else to prepare too...
- My interview was scheduled for 9.55am. The Interview Letter (IL) said not to arrive more than 15 mins before the interview. I arrived 20 mins before and went through the security screening process in the marquee attached to 26 Federal Plaza. It was just like a normal airport screening but without the long wait, only took around 2 mins to get through it. Then came the super weird part - after I went through the metal detector, one of the guards nearby asked me if I had an Instagram account. I said no, that I wasn't on social media anymore as I was wasting too much time on it (which is true!). He said he had wanted to look me up on social media and contact me. I tried to keep a straight face as I wasn't sure if the question was actually part of the security screening process or if he was just plain hitting on me, but I didn't stick around to find out and headed straight inside the entrance
- My interview was on the 7th floor. You need to take a "C" block elevator to reach that floor. When I got to the 7th floor I checked in w/ security at the first waiting room near the elevators. The security guard asked to see my IL, and my phone if I had one on me. I pulled my phone out and was asked to power it off in front of her and to keep it powered off during my visit.
- I joined another line nearby and waited until I was called up to a desk by a different officer. I was asked for my IL and Passport, and the officer scanned the 2nd (pointer) finger on my left and right hand. He then asked me to take my mask off and took a photo. He returned my Passport and IL (which now had a handwritten ticket number on it too) and gave me a bright green sign w/ a room number on it. He told me to go to the numbered waiting room down the hall.
- The security guard at the next waiting room took the green sign off me and told me to take a seat. The seats in the waiting room were placed far apart, there was hand sanitizer, and everyone remained fully masked. Most people wore smart casual clothes. I waited for 5-10 mins before the IO entered the room and called out my name. He apologized for being late and said he wouldn't be ready for another 15 minutes or so. I told him it wasn't a problem and he thanked me. He also commented on the tote bag I was carrying, saying "oh and I love that you're a MET member!" (it was just a free tote bag that I'd been given when I signed up for membership at the Metropolitan Museum a few years ago). Maybe he's a member too? Anyway, I felt like things were off to a good start, he seemed really polite and friendly.
- About 15 mins later the IO returned and asked me to follow him to his office. We exited through a door off the waiting room and headed down a hallway to his office. There were 4 chairs lined up a few feet away from his desk and we were separated by a huge plastic screen. Both of us remained fully masked during the interview.
- The IO asked for my Passport and my IL. I had a 1-inch thick folder containing all my documents open on my lap (tabbed so I could locate anything quickly). I could see he had a clipboard w/ my I-485 on top and presumably the rest of my submission docs underneath. He said the interview for a DV visa is pretty straightforward and that he would ask me some questions from the form and we would sign off on it afterward. He assumed since I had only filed my paperwork in June that nothing would have really changed at my end, and I agreed. I said I had originals of all the documents submitted in my package (birth cert, high school cert, etc) plus my most recent paystubs (June, July, August) if he needed to see them. He only asked for copies of my most recent paystubs. I confirmed that he had received my medical exam and biometrics (he said biometrics are on the system a few hours after being taken). He then started going through the basic questions on the form (e.g. full name, DOB, birthplace, parents names, current job title, address, marital status, kids, etc) before moving onto the declaration/security questions. When he got to the question about whether I've ever been arrested I said "No" and he asked why I had ticked "Yes" on the form. I explained I had received a minor traffic citation many years ago but had never been arrested. We discussed how the citation had occurred (and he said it would not impact my application), and moved onto the remaining Y/N questions. Then I signed the form. The IO printed off a "Notice of Interview Results" form and gave it to me, and explained he had checked the box "Your case is being held for review" because he still needed time to run through the file and update the system. He knew the DV deadline was Sept 30 and said I would definitely receive a final decision by then, and ideally he would be in a position to make a decision today. If approved, he said a welcome letter would be sent to me, followed by a GC a few weeks later. I asked him what would happen if I needed to travel anywhere between now and receiving the card. He said in some circumstances (typically emergencies) they can grant permission to travel before receipt of the card by putting a stamp in the passport. He asked if there was any reason I might need to travel urgently in the coming weeks. I explained a company had been trying to hire me for a project that could involve overseas travel in the next few weeks but that I couldn't commit to the project until I knew my GC status (this is true). Then I went into a lot more detail about the company and the role and why it was particularly time-sensitive. He totally got it and said, "well I may be able to help you with that if you could stay another half hour or so". I said that would be AMAZING, and I was happy to wait as long as he needed me to. He kept my Passport and I headed back to the waiting room.
- I returned to the waiting room and tried not to do a little happy dance. When the IO returned with my Passport stamped, he congratulated me on becoming a permanent resident and said the stamp in my passport could be used to prove work authorization and to allow me to travel for the next 12 months. He said once I get the card I should always travel with that instead of just showing the Passport stamp. He also suggested I reach out to the Social Security office and ask what I needed to do to have a new SS Card issued without restrictions (as my current SS Card has a notation on it saying I can only work subject to DHS authorization). I thanked him again and said I was so grateful for the opportunity. He said best of luck with the new project and we parted ways
- I checked my online case status when I got home and it had changed from "Fingerprint fee received" to "New card is being produced". I am honestly still pinching myself and plan to have a celebratory cocktail or two tonight to celebrate!!!
- I will update the AOS spreadsheet with a link to this interview experience and the date I receive the Welcome Letter and physical Green Card in the coming weeks.
Congratulations and thanks for the detailed update.* INTERVIEW COMPLETED @ 26 FEDERAL PLAZA NYC *
Hi all
I am thrilled to report that my interview went well this morning, and my green card was approved!
Massive thanks to everyone who has shared their experiences in this forum, and taken the time to answer my questions (especially Sm1smom). Following the Q&A and the AOS Spreadsheet has seriously kept me sane throughout this whole process.
Below is a summary of my interview experience @ 26 Federal Plaze NYC, in case it helps anyone else to prepare too...
- My interview was scheduled for 9.55am. The Interview Letter (IL) said not to arrive more than 15 mins before the interview. I arrived 20 mins before and went through the security screening process in the marquee attached to 26 Federal Plaza. It was just like a normal airport screening but without the long wait, only took around 2 mins to get through it. Then came the super weird part - after I went through the metal detector, one of the guards nearby asked me if I had an Instagram account. I said no, that I wasn't on social media anymore as I was wasting too much time on it (which is true!). He said he had wanted to look me up on social media and contact me. I tried to keep a straight face as I wasn't sure if the question was actually part of the security screening process or if he was just plain hitting on me, but I didn't stick around to find out and headed straight inside the entrance
- My interview was on the 7th floor. You need to take a "C" block elevator to reach that floor. When I got to the 7th floor I checked in w/ security at the first waiting room near the elevators. The security guard asked to see my IL, and my phone if I had one on me. I pulled my phone out and was asked to power it off in front of her and to keep it powered off during my visit.
- I joined another line nearby and waited until I was called up to a desk by a different officer. I was asked for my IL and Passport, and the officer scanned the 2nd (pointer) finger on my left and right hand. He then asked me to take my mask off and took a photo. He returned my Passport and IL (which now had a handwritten ticket number on it too) and gave me a bright green sign w/ a room number on it. He told me to go to the numbered waiting room down the hall.
- The security guard at the next waiting room took the green sign off me and told me to take a seat. The seats in the waiting room were placed far apart, there was hand sanitizer, and everyone remained fully masked. Most people wore smart casual clothes. I waited for 5-10 mins before the IO entered the room and called out my name. He apologized for being late and said he wouldn't be ready for another 15 minutes or so. I told him it wasn't a problem and he thanked me. He also commented on the tote bag I was carrying, saying "oh and I love that you're a MET member!" (it was just a free tote bag that I'd been given when I signed up for membership at the Metropolitan Museum a few years ago). Maybe he's a member too? Anyway, I felt like things were off to a good start, he seemed really polite and friendly.
- About 15 mins later the IO returned and asked me to follow him to his office. We exited through a door off the waiting room and headed down a hallway to his office. There were 4 chairs lined up a few feet away from his desk and we were separated by a huge plastic screen. Both of us remained fully masked during the interview.
- The IO asked for my Passport and my IL. I had a 1-inch thick folder containing all my documents open on my lap (tabbed so I could locate anything quickly). I could see he had a clipboard w/ my I-485 on top and presumably the rest of my submission docs underneath. He said the interview for a DV visa is pretty straightforward and that he would ask me some questions from the form and we would sign off on it afterward. He assumed since I had only filed my paperwork in June that nothing would have really changed at my end, and I agreed. I said I had originals of all the documents submitted in my package (birth cert, high school cert, etc) plus my most recent paystubs (June, July, August) if he needed to see them. He only asked for copies of my most recent paystubs. I confirmed that he had received my medical exam and biometrics (he said biometrics are on the system a few hours after being taken). He then started going through the basic questions on the form (e.g. full name, DOB, birthplace, parents names, current job title, address, marital status, kids, etc) before moving onto the declaration/security questions. When he got to the question about whether I've ever been arrested I said "No" and he asked why I had ticked "Yes" on the form. I explained I had received a minor traffic citation many years ago but had never been arrested. We discussed how the citation had occurred (and he said it would not impact my application), and moved onto the remaining Y/N questions. Then I signed the form. The IO printed off a "Notice of Interview Results" form and gave it to me, and explained he had checked the box "Your case is being held for review" because he still needed time to run through the file and update the system. He knew the DV deadline was Sept 30 and said I would definitely receive a final decision by then, and ideally he would be in a position to make a decision today. If approved, he said a welcome letter would be sent to me, followed by a GC a few weeks later. I asked him what would happen if I needed to travel anywhere between now and receiving the card. He said in some circumstances (typically emergencies) they can grant permission to travel before receipt of the card by putting a stamp in the passport. He asked if there was any reason I might need to travel urgently in the coming weeks. I explained a company had been trying to hire me for a project that could involve overseas travel in the next few weeks but that I couldn't commit to the project until I knew my GC status (this is true). Then I went into a lot more detail about the company and the role and why it was particularly time-sensitive. He totally got it and said, "well I may be able to help you with that if you could stay another half hour or so". I said that would be AMAZING, and I was happy to wait as long as he needed me to. He kept my Passport and I headed back to the waiting room.
- I returned to the waiting room and tried not to do a little happy dance. When the IO returned with my Passport stamped, he congratulated me on becoming a permanent resident and said the stamp in my passport could be used to prove work authorization and to allow me to travel for the next 12 months. He said once I get the card I should always travel with that instead of just showing the Passport stamp. He also suggested I reach out to the Social Security office and ask what I needed to do to have a new SS Card issued without restrictions (as my current SS Card has a notation on it saying I can only work subject to DHS authorization). I thanked him again and said I was so grateful for the opportunity. He said best of luck with the new project and we parted ways
- I checked my online case status when I got home and it had changed from "Fingerprint fee received" to "New card is being produced". I am honestly still pinching myself and plan to have a celebratory cocktail or two tonight to celebrate!!!
- I will update the AOS spreadsheet with a link to this interview experience and the date I receive the Welcome Letter and physical Green Card in the coming weeks.
Congratulations coming this far. Hang in there, almost over.Interview Update!!
Hello Everyone,
I had my interview today at 11am in Omaha, Nebraska. I arrived 20 minutes before my scheduled time and went through the security check. From there I waited for about 10 minutes and the IO called out my name, so I went to his office and took the Oath. The interview was quite straightforward, (it took less than 10 mins), the IO just requested to see my passport, and he went over the questions on the I-485 form. He also asked me about my employement status and he mentioned that he is aware that I am lawfully working under CPT. He ended the interview by asking if I have received any citations and I told him that I received a speeding ticket on my way to the interview. I showed him the speeding ticket and he said that should not be a problem, however; I should make sure to pay the fine. I asked him if he had everything he needed and he said "Yes, we have everything we need so we should be able to start working on getting you the GC." He also mentioned that he cannot provide me with a timeline but everything looks good on his side. I thanked him and walked out of the office, then 20 mins later my case status updated from 'Finger prints fee was received' to 'Interview was completed and my case must be reviewed.'
I would also like to use this oppurtunity to thank @Sm1smom (or should I called her Every1smom since she has been helping to produce Green Cards throughout these years) for her endless support, guidance, and encouragement. Without your overall assistance, this process would have been very difficult for many of us (if not all of us). I'm also grateful for have people like @SusieQQQ in this forum. A big shout out to my fellow AOSers starting from the Well known members to the Active members to the Members and down to the New Member.
I'm currently waiting patiently to see an update from 'Interview was completed and my case must be review' to something more positive.
Last but not the least, I would like to say that this forum has taught me a very important lesson which is "Sharing is Caring" and I will forever implement this lesson in my daily life.
I wish everyone success on this journey.
Once again, thank you so much @Sm1smom, I'm really grateful for your help