I got my 1st letter for dv 2010 and my CN is AS259** . I am going for AOS. and i have also paid the $375 fee to department of state. And I have hired the lawer for the case, however , now i am feeling confused about this matter while reading the post in this form because my lawyer wants me to fill all the form and do the medical and mail the AOS package now. What she tells me is that that way its gonna be on queue and i will have better change to get my EAD card and travel document. How ever i learned that I cannot mail them all document till my case is current otherwise its gonna be send back. Looking at the case number and the visa bulletin for last yr, it seems like my number might get current by may. So can you guys suggest me what should I do. Go with my lawyer or do something else.
Suggestions will be highly appretiated.
My best advice for you is to wait till the number become available in the visa bulletin (most likely in early April or May, i.e # will be current in June or July)
If you decide to file early you may face the following scenarios;
(a) Chicago will return the packet right away with instructions to file later.
(b) (i) Chicago will accept, issue receipt and cash your check.
(ii) MSC will later reject for early filing and you will have to pay and refile.
(iii) MSC will process your EAD and AP and later when number become current will send it promptly to the local office.
Next....
(c) Sooner or later after your number become current Local office will send rejection letter for early filing, you will have to pay and refile.
(d) You will promptly get interview letter after the number is current, have a smooth interview get approved and later receive approval notice and GC (Best case scenario, this has happened before to DV ppl who filed early)
(e) (i) You will get to go for the interview sooner or later, officer will be doubtful at the interview, but you will get approval notice after sometime.
(ii) You will get rejection notice sometime after interview for early filing reason, but you will have time to refile or change to CP.
(iii) Officer will take his own looooong time to make a decision and send rejection closer to Sept. 30th jeopardizing your chances of refiling or change to CP. ( This is the Worst case scenario !!)
Know your odds and make a decision.
Good Luck !