RD: 4/26/2001, ND: 6/22/2001, FP: 11/02/2001, AD: 2/4/2002
I had my PP stamped at Santa Ana this morning. Just like Amburan said, it was smooth experience. Though, Amburan still holds the record for quickest time (12 minutes) to get the stamp done. It took me 1 hr, 15 minutes from Parking to Stamp and Back to the Roads. The staff was very nice and friendly. Just a few tips for people intending to do PP Stamp at Santa Ana:
1. There is free parking across the building on the other side of the
road. You can park there for 2 hours, which should be enough to
complete everything. This parking is right opposite the Federal
building on Santa Ana Blvd.
2. There are 2 lines outside the office, one for INS and the other for
other folks (for IRS, or Social Security Office). Check with the
guard before standing in any one of them. You could end up wasting
time if you stand in the wrong queue.
3. The guards take in 5-6 people at a time into the building, and they
scan all your personal items, including jackets, belts, purse,
cell phone and the bags. It will be easier if you take off these
items in your hand before your turn comes. It saves time not only
for you but for all others in the line.
Documents to Carry:
1. Passport
2. I-94s
3. APs (if any)
4. EAD (if any)
5. Picture Identification (although, not necessary if you
are carrying passport)
6. 2 ADIT style photographs, with your name and A# inscribed
lightly with a pencil. It is better to get the photos done
before hand.
We went to the 3rd floor and were issued the tokens. Then, we went to 5th floor (room 513) to get the stamping done. They show the token
numbers on the electronic display. So, it is real easy to know when
your turn comes. The actual stamping process was very smooth. We handed
over I-94s, AP, EAD etc to the immigration officer. She took the finger prints and got the signatures. It just took about 5 minutes at the counter. There were 9 windows in all, but only 2 were functioning in the morning. And regarding how long it will take to get the plastic
card - the same old reply, "8 months to 1 year....".
All in all, a very good experience. I made it back to work in time to attend my meeting!
Once again, thank you everyone. Without you guys (Vishnu included), I would have never made it.
________
Blonde live
I had my PP stamped at Santa Ana this morning. Just like Amburan said, it was smooth experience. Though, Amburan still holds the record for quickest time (12 minutes) to get the stamp done. It took me 1 hr, 15 minutes from Parking to Stamp and Back to the Roads. The staff was very nice and friendly. Just a few tips for people intending to do PP Stamp at Santa Ana:
1. There is free parking across the building on the other side of the
road. You can park there for 2 hours, which should be enough to
complete everything. This parking is right opposite the Federal
building on Santa Ana Blvd.
2. There are 2 lines outside the office, one for INS and the other for
other folks (for IRS, or Social Security Office). Check with the
guard before standing in any one of them. You could end up wasting
time if you stand in the wrong queue.
3. The guards take in 5-6 people at a time into the building, and they
scan all your personal items, including jackets, belts, purse,
cell phone and the bags. It will be easier if you take off these
items in your hand before your turn comes. It saves time not only
for you but for all others in the line.
Documents to Carry:
1. Passport
2. I-94s
3. APs (if any)
4. EAD (if any)
5. Picture Identification (although, not necessary if you
are carrying passport)
6. 2 ADIT style photographs, with your name and A# inscribed
lightly with a pencil. It is better to get the photos done
before hand.
We went to the 3rd floor and were issued the tokens. Then, we went to 5th floor (room 513) to get the stamping done. They show the token
numbers on the electronic display. So, it is real easy to know when
your turn comes. The actual stamping process was very smooth. We handed
over I-94s, AP, EAD etc to the immigration officer. She took the finger prints and got the signatures. It just took about 5 minutes at the counter. There were 9 windows in all, but only 2 were functioning in the morning. And regarding how long it will take to get the plastic
card - the same old reply, "8 months to 1 year....".
All in all, a very good experience. I made it back to work in time to attend my meeting!
Once again, thank you everyone. Without you guys (Vishnu included), I would have never made it.
________
Blonde live
Last edited by a moderator: