Holding post at post office

[samosa1]

The USCIS ombudsman has previously suggested to USCIS that they get rid of the "return to sender requested" stamp in order to for all correspondence to be forwarded.
http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/CISOmbudsman_RR_17_Immigration_Postal_07-29-05.pdf

In the response to the Ombudsman USCIS 2006 annual report to congress, USCIS responded that they are in the process of changing the postal meter which will lead to the eventual removal of the "return to sender requested" stamp and implementation of a 2 day delivery system with better tracking with the new fee structure in 2007.However, the USCIS response seems specific to the production and shipment on GC only.
see page 96 of annual report:
http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/CISOMB_Annual_Report_2007.pdf

morningz: I believe you when you say your mail does not carry that stamp. But like I said earlier, that's all the more reason for USPS to forward mail. I confirmed earlier today (independently) that VSC IS putting the 'Return Service Requested' stamp on their outgoing mail. What SC do you come under?

Bobsmyth, thanks. As usual, your information is good. It is clear that USCIS would prefer their mail be forwarded, but the implementation of this has obviously not happened. It seems that USCIS is aware of non-uniformity in putting that stamp on ourgoing mail. That's ridiculous.

Even with the above references, I still have my doubts, because the PDF has excerpts taken selectively from the Postal Guide. I distinctly remember someone saying that this 'forbidden forwarding' refers to someone manually striking out the address and writing the new address by hand. For instance, I see my buddy's USCIS letter, and so I strike off his old address and write his new address and mail it back. That is what is forbidden. This is not the same as the intended recepient him/herself giving instructions to the PO. Anyways, as it stands, there is no certainty of anything, esp since even though the USCIS prefers mail be forwarded, they still keep putting that ridiculous stamp!

Please note that when purchasing Premium Forwarding Service, one has to identify themselves for security purposes. USPS advertises that "ALL" mail will be forwarded. I'm not sure why they emphasize "ALL", and if the "ALL" includes such stamped mail from USCIS. Or if they are merely saying that they will forward junk/catalog mail as well.

I have read of one case on this forum where someone used the Premium Forwarding Service and got their USCIS mail forwarded.

Given this, I'd say the safest option might be to have mail held at the PO, unless you are 100% sure that your SC / DO does not put that stamp on mail. Of course, then you have to periodically pick it up. That can be a hassle, depending on how far away you have moved.

Is it a coincidence that the conclusion seems to match the title of this thread: "Holding post at post office"?

Sammy