From murthy.com VSC meeting. The end of service center IIOs and the always busy number.:
While Ms. Kane explained that improved communications from BCIS is a priority, she also announced that the individual service center telephone numbers will be turned off on June 1, 2003. In their place will be a national toll-free number, but they are working on a database to allow the VSC to identify calls related to the center and respond with a telephone call or letter. This change, in part, is attributable to the belief that the online case status system should have eliminated the need for a number of calls. However, we would note that, while the online system does provide frequently updated status information, it is no substitute for the live person who is needed when there is a problem or the status system has not been updated in a timely manner. On May 1, 2003, the VSC expects to implement a dedicated fax line for requests to expedite processing for a particular case. The requests must include an acceptable reason for the VSC to expedite a case. Acceptable reasons would include a family medical emergency or an age-out issue that is left unresolved by the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA).
While Ms. Kane explained that improved communications from BCIS is a priority, she also announced that the individual service center telephone numbers will be turned off on June 1, 2003. In their place will be a national toll-free number, but they are working on a database to allow the VSC to identify calls related to the center and respond with a telephone call or letter. This change, in part, is attributable to the belief that the online case status system should have eliminated the need for a number of calls. However, we would note that, while the online system does provide frequently updated status information, it is no substitute for the live person who is needed when there is a problem or the status system has not been updated in a timely manner. On May 1, 2003, the VSC expects to implement a dedicated fax line for requests to expedite processing for a particular case. The requests must include an acceptable reason for the VSC to expedite a case. Acceptable reasons would include a family medical emergency or an age-out issue that is left unresolved by the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA).