Father Mike
Registered Users (C)
I obtained my I-EAD from the Tampa office today. The whole process was smooth and easy, the staff at the office were actually quite friendly.
I e-filed my I765 in February, and passed 90 days on May 6th. I made an appointment using the info pass system at Tampa for Tuesday May 18th. That visit took about an hour, after a 45 minute wait it took them 15 minutes to check my documents and issue a letter with an aapointment to return on the 26th (today) for the I-EAD to be issued. The appointment was for 12.30, I arrived at 12.00 and joined a somewhat disorganized line. The line moved fairly quickly and by 12.30 I had been admitted to a waiting area.
They called people in the order in which they had passed through security. One at time people went into a small room for photo, finger print and signature. Then every 15 minutes or so an immigration officer would come out and distribute 6 or so cards, those who received cards were free to leave. I was one of the last to be called for photo etc, and waited about another 10 minutes to get the card. I actually left the office at 1.30. My I-EAD is valid until 01/21/05, by which time I hope to have the real one from National Benefits Center!
All of the staff I met at Tampa today were very friendly and the guy taking pictures and prints was very easy going and chatted with me about the ice hockey game in Tampa yesterday. That may just be because I'm a priest and was wearing my clerical collar, but he seemed to be just as friendly to everyone else.
So all in all, not a bad experience. A little inconvenient having to make two trips, but I only live 20 miles from the office. If Texas Service Center keep up the good work I may never have to renew the real EAD when it finally arrives, as my I-485 could be approved before it expires
I won't hold my breath though.
Father Mike
I e-filed my I765 in February, and passed 90 days on May 6th. I made an appointment using the info pass system at Tampa for Tuesday May 18th. That visit took about an hour, after a 45 minute wait it took them 15 minutes to check my documents and issue a letter with an aapointment to return on the 26th (today) for the I-EAD to be issued. The appointment was for 12.30, I arrived at 12.00 and joined a somewhat disorganized line. The line moved fairly quickly and by 12.30 I had been admitted to a waiting area.
They called people in the order in which they had passed through security. One at time people went into a small room for photo, finger print and signature. Then every 15 minutes or so an immigration officer would come out and distribute 6 or so cards, those who received cards were free to leave. I was one of the last to be called for photo etc, and waited about another 10 minutes to get the card. I actually left the office at 1.30. My I-EAD is valid until 01/21/05, by which time I hope to have the real one from National Benefits Center!
All of the staff I met at Tampa today were very friendly and the guy taking pictures and prints was very easy going and chatted with me about the ice hockey game in Tampa yesterday. That may just be because I'm a priest and was wearing my clerical collar, but he seemed to be just as friendly to everyone else.
So all in all, not a bad experience. A little inconvenient having to make two trips, but I only live 20 miles from the office. If Texas Service Center keep up the good work I may never have to renew the real EAD when it finally arrives, as my I-485 could be approved before it expires
I won't hold my breath though.Father Mike