Xarthisius
Well-Known Member
USCIS receipt number for I-485 will be the most convenient for them to identify people. From other lawsuits that were directed at USCIS, that's what DOJ lawyer assigned to case always wanted.
DV 2025 AOS (Adjustment of Status) Process Only
- Thread starter Sm1smom
- Start date
Sm1smom
Super Moderator
Certainly not a bad idea. Nice of Curtis to offer this assistance.
Hi Mom,
My response to RFE was delivered on August 20th. I contacted a live agent to ask if they received it and she said it was not added to my case yet. I then called to speak to a Tier-1 agent and she said the same thing. I asked if she could scheduled a Tier-2 call back and she said they don't schedule that for my reason.
What would you advise me? Should I still wait or should I re-send another response to the RFE?
My response to RFE was delivered on August 20th. I contacted a live agent to ask if they received it and she said it was not added to my case yet. I then called to speak to a Tier-1 agent and she said the same thing. I asked if she could scheduled a Tier-2 call back and she said they don't schedule that for my reason.
What would you advise me? Should I still wait or should I re-send another response to the RFE?
Sm1smom
Super Moderator
It is normal to not see any status update following RFE response submission for DV based AOS cases. If you have your proof of delivery, there's nothing else for you to do at this point. Just continue to wait for now.
So considering my timeline, with the bios being scheduled last Monday the 18th (doing a walk in on 19th) meaning that the FO would've just received the case then and getting confirmation from the KCC that my case file was transferred to the USCIS earlier this week and also contacting the USCIS via phone earlier this week and politely asking the agent if they could leave a notice for the FO just explaining the visa deadline for my case and getting a response back via email the next day from the USCIS saying the following:
What would be the appropriate time to wait before doing a congressional inquiry? My thinking is that it's still relatively soon to expect an IL since it's only 1 week and a bit since the bios were scheduled and it often takes a good 20-30 days according to the spreadsheet for people to get an IL from the time of NOA letter after initial lockbox delivery. That would mean next Friday would be 21 days for my situation since NOA.
I understand there's a balance here between giving them some time to get to it and also between the approaching deadline.
I'm not sure what that reply indicates, if it's boilerplate etc or if it actually means they are sending a notice in the mail already for something. I saw one person last year get that reply from USCIS but they didn't seem to post much else after that but they didn't put their case in the spreadsheet from what I could see.
What would be the appropriate time to wait before doing a congressional inquiry? My thinking is that it's still relatively soon to expect an IL since it's only 1 week and a bit since the bios were scheduled and it often takes a good 20-30 days according to the spreadsheet for people to get an IL from the time of NOA letter after initial lockbox delivery. That would mean next Friday would be 21 days for my situation since NOA.
I understand there's a balance here between giving them some time to get to it and also between the approaching deadline.
blackchemist
Member
Hi everyone,
I wanted to share my situation. I’ll be current in September (EU229xx) and I did early filing in July. I got my NOA at the end of July and did my biometrics on August 5th. Earlier this week, I spoke with a live agent on the USCIS website and was told:
The case is processing and moving forward. Nothing is needed or outstanding for you at this time. The case is going through necessary processing checks that must be completed before a decision can be made. Your case is being processed with the Detroit Field Office, where it was sent on 07/25/2025. The last updates on your case were on 08/05/2025.
So apparently, my case is now at the Detroit FO (which is my FO). I also called USCIS on the phone today and spoke with an agent. He confirmed that the FO has my case. When I asked if my background check was completed, he quickly said “not yet.” I asked if that was the reason why I haven’t been scheduled for an interview, and he said he didn’t know. I honestly don’t know if he just said that to end the call or if that’s really the case. I also asked if the FO is aware of my upcoming deadline, and he said yes. It’s been more than 3 weeks since my biometrics. This worries me a lot.
1) Does anyone know if there’s anything I can do?
2) How long does it usually take for the background check to be cleared?
One more thing: I work in the chemistry field, specifically biochemistry.
3) Could that cause delays in the background check?
Also, my grandparents lived in the US in the 1970s, and my father was born here, but he left the US after he was born and I couldn’t apply for citizenship through him. Also, my paternal grandfather had the same name as me.
4) Could those be a reason for the delay?
Thanks in advance for any advice or for sharing your experiences.
I wanted to share my situation. I’ll be current in September (EU229xx) and I did early filing in July. I got my NOA at the end of July and did my biometrics on August 5th. Earlier this week, I spoke with a live agent on the USCIS website and was told:
The case is processing and moving forward. Nothing is needed or outstanding for you at this time. The case is going through necessary processing checks that must be completed before a decision can be made. Your case is being processed with the Detroit Field Office, where it was sent on 07/25/2025. The last updates on your case were on 08/05/2025.
So apparently, my case is now at the Detroit FO (which is my FO). I also called USCIS on the phone today and spoke with an agent. He confirmed that the FO has my case. When I asked if my background check was completed, he quickly said “not yet.” I asked if that was the reason why I haven’t been scheduled for an interview, and he said he didn’t know. I honestly don’t know if he just said that to end the call or if that’s really the case. I also asked if the FO is aware of my upcoming deadline, and he said yes. It’s been more than 3 weeks since my biometrics. This worries me a lot.
1) Does anyone know if there’s anything I can do?
2) How long does it usually take for the background check to be cleared?
One more thing: I work in the chemistry field, specifically biochemistry.
3) Could that cause delays in the background check?
Also, my grandparents lived in the US in the 1970s, and my father was born here, but he left the US after he was born and I couldn’t apply for citizenship through him. Also, my paternal grandfather had the same name as me.
4) Could those be a reason for the delay?
Thanks in advance for any advice or for sharing your experiences.
Sm1smom
Super Moderator
The response is nothing more than a boilerplate response, it does not indicate anything.
When you say the spreadsheet shows an average 20-30 days for getting the IL from when the NOA was received - are you referring to your specific FO or all the cases in general? If reference is to all the cases in general, that would be misleading for you, the focus should be on your specific FO.
With the FY ending approaching, I would recommend reaching out to you congressperson for case follow-up assistance on Tuesday morning, Sept. 2. I'm recommending waiting until then with today being a Friday (the day is almost over), and Monday being a public holiday.
In general because there are not many cases with my FO, only one actually and that person has gone MIA it seems like. I was talking to them in private on the forum to ask about their situation but they stopped replying. It'd have been helpful to know if they got anything because they filed in June early filing for August current in the same FO. Last I heard from them on August 15th they had nothing yet.
In previous years my FO waived almost all interviews. So they seem to be pretty good in that sense. But I guess there can be some variation in performance year to year.
I'll reach out on Tuesday as you suggest.
Sm1smom
Super Moderator
Boilerplate response, doesn't mean anything.
1. Initiate congressional case follow-up inquiry on Tuesday, Sept. 2.
2. It varies. It is not unusual for some to receive the all-clear within an hour or two of bio appointment completion, or for some to wait several weeks/months or years. Everyone's background is not all the same.
3. That's possible.
4. Quite doubtful.
Sm1smom
Super Moderator
You can check the average processing time for your FO for the previous years also to get an idea - that data will be more reliable than trying to use the general average processing time, as each FO's treatment of DV based AOS cases varies. It is possible they may still be planning on waiving the interview this year also, fingers crossed for you.
It is unfortunate that member stopped responding to your PMs, they may also be feeling discouraged or overwhelmed by the on-going process. They still visit the forum though, they're just not giving any update I guess, considering they were last in the forum on 8/25 as a matter of fact.
Yeah I noticed that the person still views the forum. Understandably is probably stressed too.
The only thing is I don't believe they can waive as I didn't include the DV fee receipt as it was taking a long time to get it and I was worried about time (I got it the day after I sent it to the lockbox). According to your FAQ they can't waive in this situation but I did see some previous year case where they sent the DV fee receipt to their congressional person to forward to the FO and the FO approved without an interview. So not sure if it's the case 100% of the time they won't waive without the fee receipt.
It's hard to say based on previous years at least to 2023, because all the interviews were waived and it's hard to know what time exactly it was waived as people don't fill in a date it was waived but I assume the card production date is a good idea of how long it took. I assume as well later in the year are better examples for our cases because they tend to prioritize DV more and more toward the end of the FY. So for example in 2024 someone got their NOA on June 21st and card was ordered August 22nd. In 2023 it's more difficult as later ones were lost due to visa exhaustion. One got the NOA on March 27th and CPO on May 18th. Another got NOA on February 21st and CPO on May 31st.
I believe if we had to go further back, it's better to go pre-COVID times right? My understanding is that 2020 to 2022 are bad years for data because of the COVID pandemic.
blackchemist
Member
Thanks again for your advice!
I’ll be current in September, so starting next week. Do you think it might be better to wait until the end of next week to initiate the congressional inquiry, just so I don’t use that option too early, in case they start reviewing my case (or taking a decision) during the first week of September?
SusieQQQ
Well-Known Member
While you’re waiting, this may be one of the few times you should consider answering unknown numbers on your phone. USCIS has been known to call people to arrange interviews at short notice.
Sm1smom
Super Moderator
The CPO date without interview = date the interview was waived.
Sm1smom
Super Moderator
You could do that.
Hi Mom,
I just received my I-485 interview notice at the Brooklyn office for Sept 19 (DV-2025, EU22***, F-1 student; biometrics 8/14). The notice includes the DV attachment with multiple points crossed out in pencil, and the only section left is the list of acceptable financial support evidence to bring to the interview.
I have a few questions:
Any advice would be hugely appreciated!
Thank you!
I just received my I-485 interview notice at the Brooklyn office for Sept 19 (DV-2025, EU22***, F-1 student; biometrics 8/14). The notice includes the DV attachment with multiple points crossed out in pencil, and the only section left is the list of acceptable financial support evidence to bring to the interview.
I have a few questions:
- This is just an interview notice (not an RFE), correct? Am I right that I just need to bring the financial documents to the interview, rather than mail them in advance?
- For the financial requirement: I’m an F-1 with modest on-campus income, and my family covers my tuition. The attachment says Form I-134 must be from a USC/LPR sponsor, but it also includes the confusing phrase “unless the I-134 is being submitted by the Diversity Visa Lottery winner.” Can I use an I-134 from my father (a foreign national), or should I rely instead on my campus job letter/pay stubs? What’s the most reliable strategy here?
- My interview is set for 9/19, just 11 days before the fiscal year deadline. Would you recommend trying to request an earlier slot if possible, or is it safer to leave the date as scheduled?
Any advice would be hugely appreciated!
Thank you!
Good evening all !
My first application was denied for early filling on July 16th after I did my biometric on July 2nd. My CN is August and I hired an attorney to refile the all application. New application was received by USCIS on 08/12. We filed a new I-485 and the Work Permit I-765. I made sure to include the G-1145 but this time I did not receive any text message. I got the NOA for both applications. They cashed payment and applied my fingerprints (taken on July 2nd) to the I-765. However, I see NO update for the I-485. The only update that I see is that they received my application on 08/12. The NOA indicates that they may use my fingerprints for my I-485 and if not they will mail me a new biometric appointment. I tried to contact EMMA and they are not giving me information.
Those questions are haunting me :
-If they took my Biometrics on July 2nd and already applied to my I-765, why would they have me redo the Biometrics for the I-485, it doesn't make sense no? I they have me redo the Biometrics for the I-485, I am worried to run out of time.
-They have my Biometrics and denied my case 2 weeks after. It means they already cleared my background check no?
SO I just wonder what are they waiting for? I am so confused and very worried cause we only have one month left. I spoke to my lawyer but she told me to wait. I don't know what to do. I see on the spreadsheet that things are moving which is great. But it is not moving for me.
-Do you think my case is still with Chicago or with Miami FO ?
I am so lost and I thank you for your guidance Mom. I wish you ALL the best of luck for the end of the road. It would make me so happy to know that ALL of us made it !
My first application was denied for early filling on July 16th after I did my biometric on July 2nd. My CN is August and I hired an attorney to refile the all application. New application was received by USCIS on 08/12. We filed a new I-485 and the Work Permit I-765. I made sure to include the G-1145 but this time I did not receive any text message. I got the NOA for both applications. They cashed payment and applied my fingerprints (taken on July 2nd) to the I-765. However, I see NO update for the I-485. The only update that I see is that they received my application on 08/12. The NOA indicates that they may use my fingerprints for my I-485 and if not they will mail me a new biometric appointment. I tried to contact EMMA and they are not giving me information.
Those questions are haunting me :
-If they took my Biometrics on July 2nd and already applied to my I-765, why would they have me redo the Biometrics for the I-485, it doesn't make sense no? I they have me redo the Biometrics for the I-485, I am worried to run out of time.
-They have my Biometrics and denied my case 2 weeks after. It means they already cleared my background check no?
SO I just wonder what are they waiting for? I am so confused and very worried cause we only have one month left. I spoke to my lawyer but she told me to wait. I don't know what to do. I see on the spreadsheet that things are moving which is great. But it is not moving for me.
-Do you think my case is still with Chicago or with Miami FO ?
I am so lost and I thank you for your guidance Mom. I wish you ALL the best of luck for the end of the road. It would make me so happy to know that ALL of us made it !
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Yes, zero chance.