Frequently Asked Questions, PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING...

joyd

Registered Users (C)
Before asking a question, please take some time to see if it has already been asked and answered previously.

Check this "Frequently Asked Questions" thread, there is excellent amount of information available here.

Altnernatively, use the search facility to search for key words (e.g. name check) in the I-485, I-140 or the forum that is the most relevant to your question.

Some of the questions which seem to keep coming up include:

Name check questions (what is it, how do I check the status etc.). See http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?p=951223#post951223 for one place where this is explained.

I got an RFE -- what could this be? Usually they want to verify your employment (e.g. they might want copies of your W2's), education etc. Usually, this is nothing to worry about and shows that they might be almost ready to approve your case (once you respond to the RFE). Wait until you / your lawyer gets the notice to know exactly what the RFE is about.

My status message says "...we responded to your request..." -- what does this mean? Read the message carefully -- "*we* responded to *your* request" -- either you or your lawyer contacted the USCIS to check on the status of the case or to change your address etc.

My XXX hasn't been received / approved yet -- what should I do?. Again, do some research. Check the latest trackers at http://immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?t=118163 (2003) and http://immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?t=109915 (2004) to see if lot's of others are in the same situation. You could also check the various "samping scans" that people have done at http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?t=148288 or even the database that rupnet maintains (http://www.rupnet.com/immigration/reports/approvaltrack.asp?place=100&predefined=1&mplace=1). The VSC's published dates tend to be somewhat bogus so take these with a grain of salt -- the information in the above-mentioned trackers is a much better indicator of where things stand so you might want to hold off on initiating an inquiry with the USCIS.

All of these question have already been answered (in some cases probably a dozen times).

EAD/AP Renewals: Here's the link to the related forms:

http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/i-131.htm
http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/i-765.htm

More useful info in this thread.
http://immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?threadid=102945&perpage=15&pagenumber=2





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DISCLAIMER: Use the information at your own risk, nobody is responsible for the content and authenticity of the information here.
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Compiled it from the 485 thread, seems very useful, let's have this dedicated link for important information.
Courtesy: All 485 forum members who contributed to this.

Let's compile all useful information that appeared in the 140 forums similarly.

FBI PHONE # to check FP Status
Call FBI at 304-625-5590 or 304-625-2406
have your A# handy

Courtesy :
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=93231
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=92029
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Amend I140
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=86546
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=93283
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Contacting Senators/Congressperson

http://profiles.numbersusa.com/
Courtesy : dengdeng
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=92434
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=91810
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Name format on the GC
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=92251
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Applying AP
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=92070
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=91372
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Applying Visitor Visa
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=92311
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SSN vs ITIN
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=92345
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Authorized Doctors for Medical Test
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=92179
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How to find Labor Certification Details
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=92139
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Change of employment/ do you need to change service Center
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=91739
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=91732
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Changing maiden name
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=91591
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Changing Job Before vs After GC
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=91546
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How to get copy of I-140 approval and the underlying labor certification?

Use FOIA form G-639, Freedom of Information Act/Privacy Act Request
http://www.immigration.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/g-639.htm

Experience of this forum member:
http://boards.immigration.com/showt...&highlight=foia
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Civil Surgeon locator (BCIS authorized)

http://www.immigration.gov/graphics/exec/cs/index.asp
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Change of address form

BCIS requires reporting of any address change within 10 days of the change using form AR-11(Change of Address)
http://www.immigration.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/ar-11.htm

Who Must Comply?
All aliens in the United States who are required to be registered under
the law (INA § 262 and 261) must keep BCIS informed of their
changes of address. The only aliens exempt from this requirement are
diplomats (visa status A), official government representatives to an
international organization (visa status G), and certain nonimmigrants
who do not possess a visa and who are in the U.S. for fewer than 30
days (INA § 263).
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Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative

Use from G-28
http://www.immigration.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/g-28.htm
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BCIS status inquiry

Use G-731(Inquiry About Status of I-551, Alien Registration Card) to inquire the status of any application at BCIS

http://www.immigration.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/g-731.htm
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Consular processing

Detailed information about consular processing
http://www.immihelp.com/gc/consular/
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LIFE Act - 245(i) - Out of status grandfathering

http://www.immihelp.com/gc/life245.html
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Affidavit of Birth

Sample Affidavit of Birth:
http://www.immihelp.com/gc/aos/birth_affidavit.html

Sample Non-availability Certificate:
http://www.immihelp.com/docs/NoBirthRecord.html
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Sample Employment letter for Green Card

http://www.immihelp.com/docs/SampleEmploymentLetter.html
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Legal Information

Expert law:
Free expert witness directory, legal information, and more for experts,
lawyers and the public. Connecting expert witnesses with attorneys, for
free
http://www.expertlaw.com/

Find Law:
FindLaw is the highest-trafficked legal Web site, providing the most
comprehensive set of legal resources on the Internet for legal
professionals, businesses, students and individuals.
http://www.findlaw.com/
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EXPEDITE REQUEST
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=92970

http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=92292

http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=93240
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US Department of State
http://travel.state.gov/
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Visa Revalidation in US
http://travel.state.gov/revals.html
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Unofficial 485 Statistics
http://www.rupnet.com/immigration/index.asp
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AC21 Job Codes, Descriptions and Salary related

http://online.onetcenter.org/

use the DOT code from lower right hand corner of the LC and convert to
O-NET code (http://online.onetcenter.org/crosswalk_search)
Then check the state specific salary and variances involved

DOL online wages library :

http://www.flcdatacenter.com/
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Sample AC21 Letters

http://boards.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=87534
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=87458
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=111258
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AC21 FAQs

http://www.murthy.com/UDac21qa.html
http://imminfo.com/Knowledgebase/Immigrants/I140portability.html
http://www.jgsolutions.com/material/articles/636480.pdf
http://immigration.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://shusterman.com/toc-chat.html
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AC21 and I-140 revocation

http://murthy.com/ukac21.html
http://murthy.com/UDrevapp.html
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AC21 memo 19-JUN-2001
http://www.immigrationlinks.com/news/INS Guidance on AC21.pdf
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AC21 memo 11-AUG-2003
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=93790

for official copy refer to
http://www.bcis.gov/graphics/lawsregs/handbook/I140_AC21_8403.pdf
http://www.immigration.gov/graphics/lawsregs/handbook/I140_AC21_8403.pdf

Analysis :http://www.murthy.com/UDportme.html
Analysis :http://immigration.about.com/library/weekly/aa090903b.htm
Analysis :http://www.visalaw.com/03sep1/newsletter.pdf
Analysis :http://www.ilw.com/lawyers/colum_article/articles/2003,0905-mehta.shtm
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180 day rule and change of jobs

http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=95614
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AC21 cases : I-485 denials

http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=94547
 
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The best part - AC21 success stories

http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=83453
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=86464
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=76185
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=83531
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=81848 ** good discussions on AC21 salary **
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=83248
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=84307
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=79502
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=76856
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=76539
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=64431
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=62071
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=60827
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=57031
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=54971
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=14021
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=97739
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=98519
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=99185
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=99320
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=99765
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=99795
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=99871
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=94530
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=76185
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=84307
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=101156
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=105828
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=108105
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=113368
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=702308#post702308
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=119027
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=120033
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=120779
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=120976
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=121235
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Details of congressman/senator help

http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=95294

Recipt enquiries phone number
When there is a question about a receipt notice, the avenue available
is to call the BCIS customer service phone number at (800) 375-5283.

Good Articles On AC21
http://www.ilw.com/lawyers/colum_article/articles/2001,1105-Paparelli.shtm
http://www.ilw.com/lawyers/colum_article/articles/2001,1112-Paparelli.shtm
http://www.ilw.com/lawyers/colum_article/articles/2001,1119-Paparelli.shtm
http://www.ilw.com/lawyers/colum_article/articles/2001,1126-Paparelli.shtm
http://www.ilw.com/lawyers/colum_article/articles/2001,1203-Paparelli.shtm
http://www.ilw.com/lawyers/colum_article/articles/2001,1217-Paparelli.shtm
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non-AC21 AOS denials :

http://boards.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=87566
http://boards.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=87861
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?threadid=62868&perpage=15&pagenumber=8
Posted by GodHelpUsGC on 12th September 2003 04:03 PM:

Medical Insuarance for visitors
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=97760

Travel Agents
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=99347
www.makemytrip.com 1 800-INDIA-10 very good.
AirK Travel - 1 877 359 2475 very good - ask for Anjali
Discover Travels - 1800-550-0123 very good - Ask for Jane
Anjali Travels - 914.636.3333
Discover Travels - 1800-52-FLYUS- very goood-
Travels - 1800-550-0123
Alisha - 914.576.1800
Thomason - 718.468.4200
Cont Tra- 908.525.2400
Avan - 301.431.4990
pk travels - 732.752.2378 - goood
Sudhu- 718.816.7400
Radha- 212.719.3244
Sharada- 908.236.8996
Linda ChiongInnovative Travel Services, 408-737-8822

State Travel Agent Phone #
California 3S International Travels(408) 243-5495
A2Z Tours & Travels (949) 766 6543
Adore Travels (310) 859-8740 Airline Booking Center (916) 558-0453
Answer Travels (626) 797-7017 Deepak Travels (408) 735-7849
Himalayan Travels 1-800-223-1813
Ila Kothari (408) 723-7255 Infinity Travels (408)-245-8444
Mascot Travels (310) 839-9422 Netto Travels (714) 633-3686 Princy Travels (650) 917-1937
Prominent Travel Inc (714) 632-9151 Punjab Travels (408) 441-7570
Roy Travels (408) 578-3598

Illinois
Air Tours (312) 764-4544
Air K Travel (773)-274-3960 Amber Travels (847) 301-7700 Andhra Travels (773) 508-5626
Centur Travel (630) 887-8515 City Express Travel (630) 279-1650
Devon Travels (312) 973-0600 Future Travels (630) 424-1060
Intra World Travels 1-800-626-6963
Kwality Travels 1-800-473-8785 Puja Travel (708) 241-4700 Royal Travels (312) 509-9600
Sunshine Travel (847) 776-1988 Travel Masters (708) 598-2959

Iowa
Globe Travels (319) 366-1411 Universal Travels (319) 377-6975

New Jersey
High Fly Travel (732) 985-5855 Chinpa Travels (908) 754-6227
Can-Am Travels (732) 271-8200 Marco Polo Travels (973)509-0865 Ms. Madhuri Kamat (609) 443-9472
Rupa Travel 1-888-438-7872 T.K. Travel (732) 752-2378
Travel Pro, Inc. (732) 727-4447

New York
A.P. Travels (212) 599-425
Alison Travels (914) 576-1800 Century Travels (212) 967-7066
Help-U-Travel (212) 967-7171 MPR Travel (212)-684-2510 Nepal Travel (212) 398-0398
On-time Travel (201) 295 8119 Penta WorldwideTravel (212) 867-7711
Pubali Travel (718) 436-3600 Help-U-Travel (212) 967-7171
Posted by waytoolong on 20th October 2003 10:28 AM:

Emergency AP :
http://boards.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=83061
http://boards.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=87235
http://boards.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=99688

Best ways to transfer money abroad - esp. India
Personal checks - best exchange rates and very minimal commission, but takes 2-3 weeks
Remit2India.com - 5 days, debited and credited to account.
ICICI e-transfer www.money2india.com - good exchange rates (a
commission of around 23 paise) and no transfer fees, takes 3-4 days if
the account is setup (this is an e-transfer account and not a checking
or savings account - so minimums)
Wire-transfer - faster way to transfer money and best exchange rates, but a fee of 30-50 dollars
Citibank www.citibankindia.com - poor exchange rates and you need to
have a checking account setup with them with a minimum balance
Western Union www.westernunion.com - fastest way to transfer money but
poor exchange rates and big transfer fees around 100 dollars for 1500
dollars.
Cash2India www.cash2india.com - can pay by credit card or paypal but
the transfer fees are more, if you have the ACH linked with your
checking account, the transfer fee is a flat 7 bucks. Very poor
exchange rates though.
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Transit visa requirements

http://www.nwa.com/services/timatic.html
This site gives consolidated info for all countries based on visa status, embarkation point, transit country etc.

Embassy website (all countries)
http://www.embassy.org/embassies/
 
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Finding a Senator or Congress Person

Here are the links:
http://www.house.gov/
http://profiles.numbersusa.com/

Steps to contact congressman/senator
1- first find out who serves your area.
2- Call their office and ask how they prefer to receive documents and
requests for Federal Casework Inquiry. If they have their casework
coordination offices in Washington DC then send fax to avoid delays
3- Fax/Mail them a letter explaining your situation (personal hardship,
BSIC incompetence, you paying taxes for many years, law abiding
contributor to your community, looking forward to become a voting
citizen, blah blah blah)
4- Make sure you include all information: EAD #, Alien #, SSN, type of
application, NAMES, Address with INS, when filed, RD, ND, RFE,
Fingerprinting dates, etc, etc, anything and everything (politicians
love documentation, so kill a few trees, it can only help)
5- ask them to "advise you on how to obtain the adjudication status of
the application. You have contacted BCIS several times and the
information on the website is very vague and estimates keep changing
etc."
6- Do not ask them to help approve the application, because they dont
do that. They are smart, they know what you are looking for, so they
will use their "Political" means to pursuade the application process.
Just be gentle and kind in your letter, write with a tear jerking tone,
ask for advice
7- THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT: You have to write a PRIVACY disclaimer in
your letter stating that you authorize their office to look into all
aspects of your case and in accordance with the Privacy Act, you
(SIGNED below) are authorising them the use of the included information
you are providing to conduct any research necessary to research the
status and processing information about your application" This will
avoid you from writing another letter with signed authorization.

good luck.

Following is a sample letter.
============================================

Dear Senator,

We are writing this letter to request your office's help in finding the
status of our employment based adjustment of status(I-485)
applications, pending with Nebraska Service Center for over two years.
We had filed our I-485 applications in December 2001(RD: 12/11/2001,
ND: 12/14/2001) with Nebraska Service Center, Lincoln, NE. We were
finger printed the first time on 4/11/2002. After waiting for over 19
months, we received a request for further evidence on 7/11/2003 in
which the following items were asked to submit. 1) Primary applicant's
employment verification, 2) Clear copy of birth certificate for the
dependent applicant and 3) Birth affidavits for both the applicants
from parents or relatives. We promptly responded to this request and
sent all the required documents that were received by INS on 7/30/2003.
The status query website of INS was updated to reflect this the day
received these documents. Subsequently, we received a notice for the
second finger printing as our original finger prints expired by this
time. We were finger printed on 9/12/2003 and I had called FBI who
confirmed that the results were sent to the INS the same day.

Since then, we haven't heard anything back from INS and are desperately
waiting for our cases to be approved. We have already renewed our work
permits (EAD) twice and currently hold our third EADs. We have no clue
why the adjudication on our cases is taking so long while the cases
filed much later than ours are routinely being approved. It has been
more than 5 months since we responded to the rfe and don’t understand
why it is taking so long for the INS to look into our cases. We have
plans to visit India in May this year and are in a dilemma whether to
apply for the travel documets(advance parole) or to wait for the
approvals. We never applied for our advance paroles till now in the
hope of getting our cases approved by now.

We would like to request the help of your office to find out what
exactly is going on with our cases and if possible push for a faster
adjudication. We'd highly appreciate any help that your office can
provide in this matter.

Sincerely,

XXXX

XXXX

Here are more details of our cases:

Primary applicant: XXXX(Receipt No: XXXXX)
A# XXXXX
Beneficiary: XXXX(Receipt No: XXXXX)
A# XXXXX
Receipt Date: 12/11/2001
Notice Date: 12/14/2001
1st Finger Print: 4/11/2002
RFE Issued: 7/11/2003
RFE response received by INS 7/30/2003
2nd FP: 9/12/2003

==============================================
Visting Visa from India to US

Check the below site for the details.
http://usembassy.state.gov/chennai/wwwhnivtourvisa.html
http://www.path2usa.com/Visitor.htm
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=101593
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=101324

Air Tickets to India
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=100195
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Meaning of Your Receipt:

http://www.bcis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/scnational/index.htm#E
http://www.bcis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/scnational/index.htm#D

As per the above website the below is the meaning of Receipt.
"After filing your application and paying your fees, you will receive a
receipt number. These receipt numbers are very important. Please use
these numbers whenever you write to us about your case, and whenever
you contact us to find out about the status of your case.

The numbering system used on receipts has significance.

For most applications filed at a Service Center, your receipt may look
like this: LIN 99 001 50001. In this example, the LIN represents the
Nebraska Service Center, where the application was initially received
into the electronic system. Cases that are filed at or received by
another Service Center but processed at the NSC will generally carry
the designation of the originating Service Center:

LIN = Lincoln, Nebraska or NSC
EAC = St. Albans, Vermont or VSC
SRC= Dallas, Texas or TSC
WAC= Laguna Niguel, California or CSC

In the example above:

The 99 represents the fiscal year (October 1, through September 30) in which the case was received.
The 001 represents the computer workday in the fiscal year on which the fee was taken.
The 50001 represents the particular case number.
For cases with particular case numbers starting with a 5, electronic
case status information is available (see Finding the Status of Your
Case, below). For cases with particular case numbers starting with a 0,
you must write to request the status of your case."

http://www.visapro.com/US-Visa-Status.asp
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VSC Case Status
http://boards.immigration.com/showt/showthread.php?s=&threadid=87460
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US Visas in India
http://www.ttsvisas.com/
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About Vermont Service Center
http://www.bcis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/vermont/aboutus.htm#anchorORG
Finding Field Office Locations
http://www.bcis.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/statemap.htm
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Identity Theft

http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/
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Replace GC Card due to loss/damage
http://www.immigration.gov/graphics/howdoi/replace.htm
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Indian Consulate in San Francisco
http://www.indianconsulate-sf.org/
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Transit Visit for Travel Through UK and France
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=105785
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=101815
http://www.britainusa.com/visas/visas.asp
http://www.britainvisa.com/
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=101502
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=101784
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=101174
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=100459
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=102008
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Finding your LC info

... and maybe a few colleagues' :
http://www.flcdatacenter.com/casesearchperm.asp

As far as I know this database is incomplete
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EAD-AP vs H1B
http://www.immihelp.com/gc/aos/eadap_h1.html
http://boards.immigration.com/showt...&highlight=Advance+Parole+invalidates+H1B
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=101784
 
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Clarification on Revoking I140/Denial of AOS

Okay here is what I found.

Check the below link on the new rules.

Based on this one can change employer before 180 days of I485 but
should pray that your I485 will not be approved before 180 days. With
the present processing timings people should be happy if their case is
approved in 2 years so getting approved before 180 days is a remote
possibility.

Also the 180 days always starts since when the I-485 is received by the
BCIS irrespective of whether it is filed concurrently with I140 or
after I140 is approved.

The key point to be noted is that the one should change employer only
after I140 is approved.They can change employer before 180 days of I485
hoping that I1485 will not be approved before 180 days or change
employer after 180 days on I485 if they want to be safe.

Also if the I-140 is withdrawn by the old employer on or after the 180
days on I1485 and the employee has not submitted evidence of a new
employment to the USCIS, then USCIS will issue a Notice of Intent to
Deny (NOID). If the applicant answers the NOID by submitting evidence
of a new offer of employment which is similar to the old Employment
then the I-140 will remain valid and the I-485 will be processed
normally.

http://uscis.gov/graphics/lawsregs/handbook/I140_AC21_8403.pdf
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=103003
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=105828
http://immigration.about.com/library/weekly/aa090903b.htm
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=105353

Now how do you get the LC and I140 details for using AC21
Option 1) Request your Employer to give your LC and I140 paperwork.
If this does not work then
Option 2) Hire a new lawyer. Fillup new G28 and request the new lawyer
to request your paperwork from your old lawyer. Generally lawyer to
lawyer communication should work and you should receive all your info.

If this does not work then
Option 3) Check the below links
http://www.flcdatacenter.com/casesearchperm.asp
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=92139
http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/g-639.htm
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=83078
Wish you all the best.

Driving licence link
Here is the link about driving licence for many states.

http://www.duncantaylor.com/k1stuff/k1driverslicence.html
Posted by pingpong02 on 14th November 2003 05:16 PM:
-------------------------------------------------------
Sample Interview Questionaire for obtaining a Visiting Visa in India
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=103964

Folks,

Here's QA - General list for any one, the rest is specific to individual's family and may be different.

1. DID YOU GO TO ANY OTHER COUNTRY BEFORE?
ANS: NO
2. HAS YOUR VISA REJECTED BEFORE?
ANS: NO
3. WHEN ARE YOU TRAVELLING?
ANS: THIS NOVEMBER AS SOON AS I GET THE VISA
4. WHOM ARE YOU GOING TO VISIT?
ANS: MY ELDEST DAUGHTER(SPECIFY ELDEST DAUGHTER) AND MY SON-IN-LAW
5. WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A LIVING?
ANS: I AM A HOUSE WIFE.
6. WHY YOUR HUSBAND IS NOT COMING WITH YOU ..?? (OR) WHY ARE U GOING
ALONE?
(OR)WHY ARE YOU NOT TAKING YOUR HUSBAND WITH YOU?
ANS:HE WAS A BUSINESS MAN AND NOW HE IS RETIRED, HAS MANY RESPONSIBILITIES DUE TO WHICH CAN
NOT COME. ALSO OUR SECOND DAUGHTER IS WORKING HERE WHOM WE DONT WANT TO LEAVE BEHIND ALONE(THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT).
HENCE I DECIDED TO TRAVEL ALONE.
7. HOW MANY SONS DO YOU HAVE?WHAT IS HE DOING?
ANS: ONE SON. HE IS DOING HIS MASTERS AT XYZ UNIVERSITY U.K.
8. HOW MANY KIDS DO U HAVE ? OR ) HOW MANY ISSUES DO YOU HAVE?
ANS: TWO DAUGHTERS AND ONE SON
9. WHICH DAUGHTER IS IN THE US?
ANS: MY ELDEST DAUGHTER
10. WHERE DOES YOUR DAUGHTER LIVE?
ANS: SHE LIVES IN CITY NAME,US STATE(REMEMBER THIS)
11. WHAT'S YOUR YOUNGER DAUGHTER DOING?
ANS: SHE IS WORKING HERE IN INDIA
12. WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE OF VISITING?(OR) WHAT IS THE REASON FOR YOUR
INTENDED VISIT?
ANS: FOR TOURISM AND TO VISIT MY ELDEST DAUGHTER & SON-IN-LAW.
(OR)SIGHT-SEEING AND SOCIAL VISIT (TO SEE DAUGHTER AND SON-IN-LAW)
13. WHICH COMPANY IS YOUR SON-IN -LAW WORKING?
ANS:CURRENTLY HE IS WORKING FOR XYZ INC
14. WHEN DID HE JOIN THAT COMPANY AS A PERMENANT EMPLOYEE?
ANS:HE JOINED XYZ IN MONTH, 2003
15. WHY DO U WANT TO GO IN WINTER?
ANS: THEY WILL HAVE HOLIDAY SEASON IN WINTER AND HENCE THEY WILL GET
SOME MORE TIME TO SPEND WITH ME.
16. WHEN DID U LAST SEE YOUR DAUGHTER?SO WHY DO U WANT TO AGAIN SEE HER SO SOON?
ANS:IT HAS BEEN NEARLY TWO YEARS THAT I HAVE SEEN MY DAUGHTER. AS SOON
AS SHE GOT MARRIED SHE LEFT TO U.S TO STAY WITH MY SON-IN-LAW. SO ONLY I'M
GOING TO VISIT HER.
17. WHAT VISA DO U WANT SOCIAL (MEANS FAMILY PURPOSE VISIT)OR
TOURIST(FOR VISISTING PLACES)?
ANS:I DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT THESE CATEGORIES BUT I DO VISIT TOURIST
ATTRACTIONS AND ALSO WOULD LIKE TO SPEND SOME TIME WITH MY DAUGHTER'S FAMILY.
18. IF YOUR DAUGHTER WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN IN US WOULD YOU HAVE THOUGHT
OF GOING THERE?
ANS: TO ANSWER THIS QUESTION, I MUST SAY ONE THING THAT I DO LIKE
VISTING PLACES WHEN THERE IS SOME POSSIBILITY.
20. HOW FAR IS YOUR SON-IN-LAWS OFFICE FROM THE HOUSE?
ANS:15-20 MINUTES DRIVE
21. CAN HE SPARE TIME TO SHOW YOU DIFFERENT PLACES?
ANS: I BELIEVE HE WILL
22. DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR DAUGHTERS ADDRESS? (I DONT THINK SO THEY WILL
ASK SUCH A QUESTION BUT IN CASE)
ANS:YES I DO. IT IS
1111 XYZ DRIVE,APT # F,
CITY NAME, VA-24141
23. WHAT IS YOUR HUSBAND'S INCOME?
ANS: HE'S RUNNING A WHOLESALE AGENCY, TYPICALLY HE EARNS 10000 RUPEES
PER MONTH (GIVE A BETTER ANSWER IF YOU THINK)
25. ON WHAT VISA YOUR SON-IN-LAW GO TO US?
ANS:HE WENT ON H-1B VISA
26. IS YOUR SON-IN-LAW A GREEN CARD HOLDER?
ANS: NO. HE APPLIED FOR GREEN CARD AND NOW HE IS IN ADJUDICATING OF
STATUS AS A PERMANENT RESIDENT.
27. WHAT DO YOUR SON-IN-LAW AND DAUGHTER DO IN US?
ANS:MY SON-IN-LAW WORKING AS A COMPUTER PROGRAMMER AND MY DAUGHTER IS
HOME MAKER.
30. HOW LONG DO YOU WANT TO STAY IN US?
ANS: PREFER 6 MONTHS SO OUR SON-IN-LAW AND DAUGHTER CAN TAKE ME AROUND
OVER MANY WEEKENDS.
31. WHO WILL PAY FOR ALL THE TRAVEL?
ANS: MY SON-IN-LAW.

Good luck
-------------------------------------------------------
Reasons for Transfer to Local Office

http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=99990

There are no specific reasons for transfers. However, based upon posts
on various Internet forums, the following is observed so far as likely
factors to trigger a transfer/interview (though applicability of any of
the following doesn't necessarily guarantee a transfer):

1. Random "quality check" (meaning no specific reasons for transfer)
2. Married after filing I-485 (mostly to verify bona fide marriage)
3. Change of employer, residence, jurisdiction (mostly to verify AC21 related issues)
4. Positive for HIV, TB, during medical testing (mostly to verify continuing treatment)
5. National Interest Waiver based I-140 (mostly to verify if the
applicant still works in the same area of national interest as argued
in the pre-approved immigration petition)
6. Few EB-1 EA/OR based I-140 (mostly to check "public charge"
information, meaning to verify financial self-reliability and if the
employment is of EA or OR nature)
7. Not-readablity of two consecutive fingerprinting (mostly to collect police clearances)
8. "Hit" on fingerprinting (meaning if criminal record exists)
9. Applicants from countires that required special registration sometime ago
10. Non-conclusive or incomplete response to the RFE if any

The order in above list is just random and doesn't signify any hierarchy, and by no means is claimed to be complete.

I found following from I-485 Standard Operating Procedure for a likely interview:

On a case-by-case basis, an officer may choose to relocate an I-485 for
interview if he/she deems it necessary. Applications require a
relocation if the officer determines:

* a need for validation for identity
* a need for validation of legal status
* questionable admissability and/or qualifications
* apparent fraud
* a second filing
* an applicant with fingerprinting rejected twice
* an applicant with medical conditions class A or B
* the A-file cannot be located at the time of adjudication
-------------------------------------------------------
I-94 and AP
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=103757
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=104339&highlight=I94
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=101920&highlight=I94
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=104494
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=107339

RFE on AP
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=103874
 
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more...

-------------------------------------------------------
FingerPrinting FAQ

http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=105110

Fingerprinting related FAQs
There has been a lot of anxiety over the fingerprinting issues lately.
I compiled following questions from various FAQs of this website. The
answers are sometimes CSC-centric, but hopefully will be informative to
others as well.

Q-1:What if I have been scheduled but my spouse and/or children have not been scheduled?

The Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (“BCIS”, the new
name for INS) uses a national scheduler computer generated system to
schedule fingerprint appointments and it is possible that not all
family members will be scheduled at the same time. We recommend that
you wait and see if the appointment notices for your spouse and /or
child(ren) arrive in the mail before your appointment date. If they do
not, we suggest that your family members accompany you to the
appointment. It is possible that the BCIS Application Support Center
(ASC) will agree to take their fingerprints on the same day even though
they do not have appointment notices. Be sure to take the I-485 receipt
notices, photo identification (e.g., passports) and evidence of
relationship (e.g., birth or marriage certificate) for family
dependents with you. If ASC refuses to take the prints and/or your
family members have still not received appointment notices for their
own fingerprints, please contact our office and we will begin the
inquiry process to have them scheduled.

Q-2:I have been scheduled for another fingerprint appointment although
I have already had my fingerprints taken, do I still have to appear?

The BCIS notice indicates that you can disregard this appointment
notice if you were fingerprinted within the last 90 days. Based on our
experience, we believe that you should not disregard this notice even
if you were recently fingerprinted. The BCIS uses a national scheduling
system for fingerprint appointments and often times there are problems
with the system. There have also been occasions when the FBI results
were not properly relayed to your file with the BCIS. Therefore, it is
better to return to the ASC to determine if your prints have “cleared”
or if new prints are required.

Q-3:Can I go in and have my fingerprints taken before the date specified on my appointment notice?

You can try, but the ASC may refuse because normally they only
fingerprint individuals who have appointments at the specified
appointment time. However, some of our clients have been successful in
being fingerprinted earlier than their scheduled appointment. Please
note that the BCIS may not fingerprint you and if they do not, you will
have wasted several hours at the ASC. Therefore, we recommend that you
appear only on your scheduled appointment date and time.

Q-4:If I am unable to appear at the ASC assigned, can I go to another
one? If so, how do I locate another ASC nearest my residence?

BCIS prefers that you to appear at the ASC which has been assigned to
you. However, you may try to be fingerprinted at another ASC. Although
the alternative ASC may not accept you, we have had clients who have
successfully managed to have their fingerprints taken at an ASC which
was different from the one listed on the fingerprint notice.

Q-5:I have been scheduled for another fingerprint appointment although
I have already had my fingerprints taken, do I still have to appear?

The BCIS notice indicates that you can disregard this appointment
notice if you were fingerprinted within the last 90 days. Based on our
experience, we believe that you should not disregard this notice even
if you were recently fingerprinted. The BCIS uses a national scheduling
system for fingerprint appointments and often times there are problems
with the system. There have also been occasions when the FBI results
were not properly relayed to your file with the BCIS. Therefore, it is
better to return to the ASC to determine if your prints have “cleared”
or if new prints are required.


Q-6:For how long are fingerprints valid?

Fingerprints are valid for 15 months. If an I-485 application is
pending beyond this period, BCIS will issue a new notice for the
applicant to appear at an Application Support Center (ASC) office to be
fingerprinted.

Q-7:If my fingerprints expire, can you contact the Service Center and ask them to reschedule me for new fingerprints?

The BCIS has advised us that this will be in the hands of the officer
assigned to adjudicate your application and that we cannot request a
new fingerprinting appointment. If the adjudication officer determines
that the fingerprints have expired, s/he will order that a date be set
to schedule a new fingerprint appointment. On a system-wide level, the
CSC has stated that it is working on identifying applicants with
expired fingerprints in order to schedule new fingerprint appointments.
However, there is no guarantee that this will happen. Please note that
there is currently no mechanism for attorneys or their clients to alert
the CSC and request new fingerprint appointments. None of the other
Service Centers have indicated that they will take any such action.


I would like to share some information about fingerprint quoted from
the I-485 Standard Operating Procedure (09/28/01). This is not to be
taken as an authoratative statement. But I advise people be cautious
about the time frame of appearing for FP.

Quote:
Fingerprints are a requirement for all applicants 14 through 79 years old to determine if they have criminal histories.

Fingerprint Response Purge: The INS has established a 120-day waiting
period from the date of the fingerprint scheduling to allow applicants
to submit fingerprints. When an applicant fails to appear for
fingerprinting or a response is not received within that 120-day
period, and the applicant has otherwise not advised of INS of a change
of address or requested that he be rescheduled, the case must be denied
for abandonment.

At the time of adjudication, the file will contain a screen print of
either FBI Query or the CLAIMS-based MRD Fingerprint Tracking System to
indicate the present status of the fingerprint checks. .. The response
is valid for 15 months from the date the FBI processed the
fingerprints. A definitive response from the FBI regarding fingerprint
clearances is required before the application can be approved or
transferred to the local office for interview.

FBI response description:

If the FBI Response Description is
NON-IDENT or IDENT 1) and the (FP) date processed by FBI is less than
12 months old, route the file to Work Load Distribution; 2) and the
(FP) date processed by FBI is more than 12 months but less than 15
months, route the file to INS and process as an expedite; 3) and the
(FP) date processed by FBI is more than 15 months, annotate the
worksheet and return the file to the monthly hold shelf for
rescheduling.
-------------------------------------------------------
Follow to Join

http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=105537

Following to Join...step by step
Folks,

I have been a regular visitor of this forum and have gained tremendous support and advice from the other folks.

There is however a very litte information about follow-to-join procedure. So, I think it is my time to contribute...

My wifes case was approved today at Delhi consulate and here are the inputs:

- I applied for my 485 in Nov'01.
- I got EAD and AP after 6 months.
- I got married in April'03.
- I got my GC approved in July'03.
- I applied for my wifes I-824 in August'03.
- Got the 824 reciept from VSC, telling me it will take 180-999 days for approval.
- Once I got the 824 receipt notice, I send all the papers (DS230 I and
II, Affidavit of support, origional I824 and orgional 485 approval
notice (courtesy copy), bank statement, letter of employment, recent
pay stubs, marriage certificate etc).
- Case created by New Delhi consulate in Oct'03.
- Interview was scheduled on 1st Dec'03.
- Recieve packet4, get the medical done etc in first week Nov'03.
- Wife goes for the interview and was out within less then an hour.
- People in consulate were very co-operative and understood the
situation. She was not asked anything except for the regular questions.

The whole time, right from applying for 824 (which still says it will
take another 999 days for approval) till getting approved is about 4
months.

I am glad to say that during all this time "New Delhi consulate was very-very responsive".

Regards,
-------------------------------------------------------
http://www.immigrationwatch.com

A really great website providing real-time tracking of I129/I130/I140/I485 cases for all service centers. It's very informative.
Posted by pingpong02 on 15th January 2004 04:46 PM:

CIS internal operatioanal procedure for I485
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=99824&highlight=internal+process

What's happening at CIS
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=99468&highlight=internal+process
-------------------------------------------------------
Expiry of Medicals
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=110225
-------------------------------------------------------
Name Correction
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=110759
-------------------------------------------------------
 
Last edited by a moderator:
last one...

EAD Guide:

http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=108916
-------------------------------------------------------
Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) - CARD SCHEME
http://www.indianembassy.org/index.html
http://www.indianembassy.org/policy/PIO/Introduction_PIO.html
-------------------------------------------------------
I140/I485 processing statistics
A real-time processing trend and time frame of I140/I485 cases in all service centers:
http://www.immigrationwatch.com/
-------------------------------------------------------
Best Places to work in US
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=13365
-------------------------------------------------------
Divorce and I485
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=122049
http://uscis.gov/graphics/lawsregs/handbook/VAWADv_pub.pdf
-------------------------------------------------------
AP & Passport
http://boards.immigration.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=122931
---------------------------------------------------
Lost I-94
http://www.immigrationportal.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=124000
------------------------------------------------------
Name Check
http://www.fbi.gov/congress/congress04/garrity022504.htm
 
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INS Crucial Guidance on "Public Charge" Policy

This guidance was dated July 1999 (if anyone is aware of any update, please post a follow-up), which clarifies on "public charge" issues that concern some GC applicants but in fact, may not affect the applications at all. For example, UI benefit is not considered as cash assistance for income maintenance and shall not be a problem.
 
I140-I485 Approved after contacting Senator/Governor

All,

I am in IL and I contacted Illinois Governor and Illinois Senators. All of them have a web site where you can go and search for "Casework" or immigration related issue. Once you are on that page, you just follow the instructions.


Also, write a letter to both senators and a governor explaining about your situations and how they can help in your case. There should be a legitimate reason to go to Governor or Senator for help. In my case my I140 was not getting approved eventhough everyone else who applied after me were getting approved. My ND was June 16, 2003 and I140 processing date was October 23, 2003. I had a strong point and that's what I explained in a letter written to governor and senators. I submitted a copy of my I140 along with the letter.

Once you fill out the form on the web, it asks you to fill out a Privacy act form that authorizes the senator or governor to use your information. You fill this form and fax it to them along with a letter and receipts to the fax number. In some cases you may have to mail them. Once they receive it, you will get a letter saying, they will let you know when they contact INS.

You don't give up and in a week after you sent them all the information, you call governor's and/or senator's office and find out, if there is any action being taken on your case.

They will assign a person to work on your case and you call that person every now and then to see if he/she has taken any action. This process might take 1-4 weeks but the result will be much better than the regular process.
 
Valid Registration Documents.

There has always been question - am I OK if I carry...

As per 8 C.F.R. § 264.1 here is the list of valid registration documents:

(a) Prescribed registration forms. The following forms are prescribed as registration forms:

Form No. and Class

I - 67, Inspection Record -- Hungarian refugees (Act of July 25, 1958).

I - 94, Arrival-Departure Record -- Aliens admitted as nonimmigrants; aliens paroled into the United States under section 212(d)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act; aliens whose claimed entry prior to July 1, 1924, cannot be verified, they having satisfactorily established residence in the United States since prior to July 1, 1924; aliens lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence who have not been registered previously; aliens who are granted permission to depart without the institution of deportation proceedings or against whom deportation proceedings are being instituted.

I - 95, Crewmen's Landing Permit -- Crewmen arriving by vessel or aircraft.

I - 175, (Removed effective 10/1/02; 67 FR 71443).

I - 181, Memorandum of Creation of Record of Lawful Permanent Residence -- Aliens presumed to be lawfully admitted to the United States under 8 CFR 101.1.

I - 190, (Removed effective 10/1/02; 67 FR 71443).

I - 485, Application for Status as Permanent Resident -- Applicants under sections 245 and 249 of the Immigration and Nationality Act as amended, and section 13 of the Act of September 11, 1957. I - 485A, Application by Cuban Refugee for Permanent Residence -- Applicants under section 1 of the Act of November 2, 1966.

I - 590, Registration for Classification as Refugee -- Escapee -- Refugee-escapees paroled pursuant to section 1 of the Act of July 14, 1960.


I - 687, Application for Status as a Temporary Resident -- Applicants under section 245A of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended.


I - 691, Notice of Approval for Status as a Temporary Resident -- Aliens adjusted to lawful temporary residence under 8 CFR 210.2 and 245A.2.

I - 698, Application to Adjust Status from Temporary to Permanent Resident -- Applicants under section 245A of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended.

I - 700, Application for Status as a Temporary Resident -- Applicants under section 210 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended.

I - 817, Application for Voluntary Departure under the Family Unity Program.

(b) Evidence of registration. The following forms constitute evidence of registration:

Form No. and Class

I - 94, Arrival-Departure Record -- Aliens admitted as nonimmigrants; aliens paroled into the United States under section 212(d)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act; aliens whose claimed entry prior to July 1, 1924, cannot be verified, they having satisfactorily established residence in the United States since prior to July 1, 1924; and aliens granted permission to depart without the institution of deportation proceedings.

I - 95, Crewmen's Landing Permit -- Crewmen arriving by vessel or aircraft.

I - 151, (Removed effective 8/19/96; 61 FR 37673)

I - 184, Alien Crewman Landing Permit and Identification Card -- Crewmen arriving by vessel.

I - 185, Nonresident Alien Canadian Border Crossing Card -- Citizens of Canada or British subjects residing in Canada.

I - 186, Nonresident Alien Mexican Border Crossing Card -- Citizens of Mexico residing in Mexico.

I - 221, Order to Show Cause and Notice of Hearing -- Aliens against whom deportation proceedings are being instituted.

I - 221S, Order to Show Cause, Notice of Hearing, and Warrant for Arrest of Alien -- Aliens against whom deportation proceedings are being instituted.

I - 551, Permanent Resident Card -- Lawful permanent resident of the United States. (Amended effective 1/20/99; 63 FR 70313)

I - 688, Temporary Resident Card-Lawful temporary residents of the United States.

I - 688A, Employment Authorization Card.

I - 688B, Employment Authorization Document. (Added effective 10/4/96; 61 FR 46534)

I - 766, Employment Authorization Document. (Added effective 10/4/96; 61 FR 46534)
 
EAD/AP Renewal Cover Letters for self and spouse...

Cover letters for filing paper based EAD renewal and AP together in same envelope, but each app separated by it’s own cover letter:

Main cover letter

EAD cover letter for primary applicant
Documents for EAD renewal for primary applicant

EAD cover letter for secondary applicant
Documents for EAD renewal for secondary applicant

AP cover letter for primary applicant
Documents for AP for primary applicant

AP cover letter for secondary applicant
Documents for AP for secondary applicant


Note: AP checks were favoured to “US Department of Homeland Security, EAD checks were favoured to “Immigration and Naturalization Service” and write the “A” number in the memo section.

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Current as of Aug 3, 2004>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<MAIN COVER LETTER>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>


Month dd, yyyy

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Vermont Service Center
75 Lower Welden Street
St. Albans, VT 05479-0001

RE: Renewal Application for Employment Authorization Document and Advance Parole - I-485 Pending (Adjustment of Status)

Dear Sir/Madam:

Please find the applications for Employment Authorization and Advance Parole Travel document for myself <primary applicant> and my wife <secondary applicant>. Our adjustment of status (I-485) is pending at USCIS since <date>, and I am the primary applicant.

Please approve the above mentioned applications. If you have any questions or need additional information concerning the above, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you in advance for your kind attention and cooperation in this matter.

Very truly yours,

<PRIMARY APPLICANT>
<Address>
Tel: <phone>


<<<<<<COVER LETTER FOR EAD RENEWAL OF PRIMARY APPLICANT >>>>>>>>>>>

Month dd, yyyy

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Vermont Service Center
75 Lower Welden Street
St. Albans, VT 05479-0001

RE: Renewal Application for Employment Authorization Document for <primary applicant> - I-485 Pending (Adjustment of Status)

Dear Sir/Madam:

We herewith file the above captioned matter together with the following:

<primary applicant>
• Check in the amount of $175 for the filing fee;
• Form I-765 with two photographs;
• Copy of I-485 filing receipt notice;
• Copy of I-140 approval notice;
• Copy of front and back of I-94 arrival/departure card and latest H1B approval notice;
• Copy of front/back of last EAD and previous EAD mailer;
• Color Copy of driver’s license;
• Color copy of passport’s biographic page;
• Copy of Birth certificate.

Please approve the above mentioned application. If you have any questions or need additional information concerning the above, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you in advance for your kind attention and cooperation in this matter.

Very truly yours,

<PRIMARY APPLICANT>
<Address>
Tel: <phone>

------------------------------------------------------
<<<<<<COVER LETTER FOR EAD RENEWAL OF SECONDARY APPLICANT >>>>>>>>>>>
Month dd, yyyy

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Vermont Service Center
75 Lower Welden Street
St. Albans, VT 05479-0001

RE: Renewal Application for Employment Authorization Document for <Secondary Applicant> - I-485 Pending (Adjustment of Status)

Dear Sir/Madam:

We herewith file the above captioned matter together with the following:

<secondary applicant>
• Check in the amount of $175 for the filing fee;
• Form I-765 with two photographs;
• Copy of I-485 filing receipt notice;
• Copy of I-140 approval notice;
• Copy of front and back of I-94 arrival/departure card and latest H1B approval notice;
• Copy of front/back of last EAD and previous EAD mailer;
• Copy of Marriage certificate;
• Copy of Birth certificate;
• Color copy of driver’s license;
• Color copy of passport’s biographic page.

Please approve the above mentioned application. If you have any questions or need additional information concerning the above, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you in advance for your kind attention and cooperation in this matter.

Very truly yours,


<SECONDARY APPLICANT>
<Address>
Tel: <phone>

------------------------------------------
<<<<<<COVER LETTER FOR ADVANCE PAROLE OF PRIMARY APPLICANT >>>>>>>>>>>

Month dd, yyyy

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Vermont Service Center
75 Lower Welden Street
St. Albans, VT 05479-0001

RE: Application for Advance Parole Travel document for <primary applicant> - I-485 Pending (Adjustment of Status)

Dear Sir/Madam:

We herewith file the above captioned matter together with the following:

<primary applicant>
• Check in the amount of $165 for the filing fee;
• Form I-131 with two photographs;
• Part 7 supplemental information;
• Copy of I-485 filing receipt notice;
• Copy of I-140 approval notice;
• Copy of front and back of I-94 arrival/departure card and latest H1B approval notice;
• Copy of last approved Advance Parole document;
• Color Copy of driver’s license;
• Color copy of passport’s biographic page;
• Copy of Birth certificate.

Please approve the above mentioned application. If you have any questions or need additional information concerning the above, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you in advance for your kind attention and cooperation in this matter.

Very truly yours,


<PRIMARY APPLICANT>
<Address>
Tel: <phone>


----------------------------------------------------------
<<<<<<COVER LETTER FOR ADVANCE PAROLE OF SECONDARY APPLICANT >>>>>>>>>>>
Month dd, yyyy

U.S. Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Vermont Service Center
75 Lower Welden Street
St. Albans, VT 05479-0001

RE: Application for Advance Parole Travel document for <secondary applicant> - I-485 Pending (Adjustment of Status)

Dear Sir/Madam:

We herewith file the above captioned matter together with the following:

<secondary applicant>
• Check in the amount of $165 for the filing fee;
• Form I-131 with two photographs;
• Part 7 supplemental information;
• Copy of I-485 filing receipt notice;
• Copy of I-140 approval notice;
• Copy of front and back of I-94 arrival/departure card and latest H1B approval notice;
• Copy of last approved Advance Parole document;
• Copy of Marriage certificate;
• Copy of Birth certificate;
• Color Copy of driver’s license;
• Color copy of passport’s biographic page.

Please approve the above mentioned application. If you have any questions or need additional information concerning the above, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you in advance for your kind attention and cooperation in this matter.

Very truly yours,


<SECONDARY APPLICANT>
<Address>
Tel: <phone>

--------------------------------------------------------------
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Supplemental info for AP>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<Modify as needed>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

<applicant> <Alien number> Form I-131 Part 7 Supplement


Dear Sir/Madam:

My current H-1B expires on <date> and my I-485 application for adjustment of status is pending with USCIS per application <EAC number>. I wish to use Employment Authorization Document to legally work from <date> onwards. Based on the above facts, I believe I qualify for Advance Parole.

I have been previously issued Advance Parole per application <EAC number>, which expires on <date>.

I am planning to travel for a month to India to visit my elderly parents and siblings during <month, year> and again later in <next year>. Please approve my application for Advance Parole for multiple trips.

If you have any questions or need additional information concerning the above, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you in advance for your kind attention and cooperation in this matter.

Very truly yours,


<APPLICANT>
<Address>
Tel: <tel>
 
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VSC for Dummies. (Thread merged with FAQs thread)

I have seen lots of folks asking questions which go unanswered - sometimes people do not make search and most of the times people do not answer as it has been answered lots of times.

These questions are not good enough to be put in Important..., so I have decided to open a new thread for it. Folks pour in all the dummy stuff - you feel one needs to know when one comes to 140/485 level. Do not forget we needed same info when we posted first in this section!

To begin, here is the first site which may interest you:

http://www.uscis.gov

From here you can find links to processing dates and link to find your case' status. Also you can create your portfolio, thru which you can find your case status in one location. Portfolios are also used for finding LUD(last update date) of your case. LUDs show the date when your case saw some activity from USCIS. Not everything is inferred about it - but search is on to find what it means.

Direct link for above features can also be found from:
https://egov.immigration.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp
The page is self explanatory.

Beware uscis changes links sometimes, so if above link does not work - go thru homepage, which is again: http://www.uscis.gov
 
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What are trackers?

As a group, we need to follow the progress of VSC to find out what is going on and what do we expect in near future. For this purpose we maintain trackers. In VSC 140 forum, we have two trackers - one for 2003 cases and one for 2004 cases. 2003 tracker is self maintained and people update it as they get updates. 2004 tracker has a bit more control and some people do update most of the time. These controls are by no means autocracy - it is just a control mean for not loosing data. LC_Virginia is leading in efforts to keep it clean and up to date. Seems we are going to have one more volunteer soon(person is already in).

It help in predicting how VSC is moving(sometimes dates on website is misleading). Due to trackers, we know(and it looks so obvious to folks on portal), we know that 2003 485 approvals are coming. It would not have been obvious had there been no tracker. We would still be thinking that 485 approval is happening only for 2002 cases!

Feel free to share your bit of information.
 
I have a question - I may sound stupid.

Hell no. On this portal perhaps less than 1% folks have law background. Everyone had the same question at some point of time and someone answered it. Do not be afraid to ask a question - someone might help you. Sometimes ofcourse you need to get professional service.
 
I would say even less than that . Don't forget to check out the thread for Frequently Asked Questions which will answer quite a few questions..
 
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How do I scan status of cases filed on a particular date?

Your wishes can be fulfilled. Use the attached Excel file. Press Alt F8 to run the scan macro and find 140 cases and their status for a particular date.

There is a limit of 300 case status currently from uscis site for one IP address. This may change without notice.

Feel free to report anamoly/apprval etc.
 
I feel I need an insight and these questions are not that I will ask.

Follow hmd's advice. Check:

Frequently Asked Question ... thread

If you still did not get what you were looking for - post your question.
 
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Hi Jharkandi, Good thoughts.

RIR - Reduction in Recruitment ,
ND - Notidfication Date (Date when USCIS updated your information on their system)
RD - Received Date (Date your application was received @USCIS)
LUD - Last updated date (Date when your application was last touched.. You can get this information by registering your case on USICS Website)
FOIA - Freedom of Information ACT (A method to retrieve your own information from USICS , say your approved labor or copy of your 140 approval etc)
 
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Lets not post questions here ....

Not to sound rude, but can we refrain ourselves from posting questions in this thread and makre it a longer one. Instead, lets just post all basic Question and Answers (whatever we had or whatever we learnt), so that it will help new members.

Please don't mistake me, if we plan to make it as a sticky, lets be very precise and concentrate on the basic question and answers / explanations.

Thanks,
 
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