rajib_rashid
Registered Users (C)
Hello...
I wasn't able to locate a specific thread for posting stamping experiences, but I wanted to share my experience as this forum has been very helpful throughout the entire GC process
I received the paper (courtesy) copy of the approval notice on Sep 04. Since the local INS office is closed on Fridays, I had to wait until the following week. I had some idea about what to expect from previous posts (thanks guys!), so I arrived at the Paris St. office at 6:00am. There were already 25 or so people in line. By 7:00am, that number grew to ~80. Although the official operating hours for the office is 7:30am onwards, the guard let folks with appointments (for 7:10am & 7:30am) into the building at 7:00am. After that, groups of 10-15 were let into the building at a time. Around 8:00am, I was inside.
You will need to go through metal detectors immediately after entering. I was wearing sneakers instead of shoes with steel in sole/heel, not wearing belt, etc. Just didn't want to go through the hassle. Then had to stand in another (short) line. Note that you do not get a ticket until you talk to an IIO, so no need to look for the dispenser when you notice other folks holding tickets Besides, passport stamping is done on the spot, and no ticket is needed. At 8:15am, I was called to the counter. The IIO took the following items:
- approval notice (courtesy copy)
- current passport and last I-94
- two copies of immigration style photo
- old EAD
I did not have any AP. She confirmed my mailing address, wrote down the A# on both sides of form I-551, took right index finger print and had me sign the form (again, both sides). Then she stamped the passport (not on page 21, as some had indicated), wrote down the A#, expiration date (one year from today) and handed it back to me. She put the pictures in a plastic envelope and attached it to the I-551. Also stapled the old I-94 to the approval notice, wrote a note on the approval notice that PP was stamped, and gave me a photocopy of it. The entire process took no more than 5 minutes
Other observations and comments:
(a) Do not park in the parking lot for the BCIS office ... some folks had done so, possibly because they had arrived early and did not notice the posted signs, and were asked by the guard to move their cars. Possible options are on-street parking on Paris St. or by the Wells Fargo Bank at the opposite corner of the complex
(b) If you're going for stamping between Sep and (possibly) October, and planning on arriving early, even if it hasn't started snowing, bring a light jacket. You'll be standing in a shaded area, and usually there's a breeze. Denver residents should be familiar with the condition
(c) Make sure you're at the correct end of the line. Folks who have appointments can go to the beginning of the line. With 15-20 people huddled around the door, it is not always obvious where the line starts
Here are all the details:
CAT : EB3
RD : Dec 21, 2001
ND : Jan 03, 2002
EAD1 : Jan 14, 2002
FP1 : Feb 22, 2002
EAD2 : Jan 13, 2003
RFE : Jul 28, 2003 (employment verification, i-20 for wife)
FP2 : Aug 09, 2003 (earlier than scheduled)
AD : Sep 02, 2003
PPS : Sep 08, 2003
My wife's case was transferred to local office on Sep 03, possibly because we got married right before filing my application. Still awaiting notice and interview appointment.
Finally ... those of you on the same boat, hang in there. It may not seem like it at times, but there is light at the end of the tunnel, and there *is* some order around this seemingly chaotic process. This forum, as well as Rupnet has been a great resource for both various information as well as moral support. But remember that only a fraction of all applicants post to these forums, and typically when frustrated So treat them as support groups, and not true representation of current trends.
Best of wishes...
I wasn't able to locate a specific thread for posting stamping experiences, but I wanted to share my experience as this forum has been very helpful throughout the entire GC process
I received the paper (courtesy) copy of the approval notice on Sep 04. Since the local INS office is closed on Fridays, I had to wait until the following week. I had some idea about what to expect from previous posts (thanks guys!), so I arrived at the Paris St. office at 6:00am. There were already 25 or so people in line. By 7:00am, that number grew to ~80. Although the official operating hours for the office is 7:30am onwards, the guard let folks with appointments (for 7:10am & 7:30am) into the building at 7:00am. After that, groups of 10-15 were let into the building at a time. Around 8:00am, I was inside.
You will need to go through metal detectors immediately after entering. I was wearing sneakers instead of shoes with steel in sole/heel, not wearing belt, etc. Just didn't want to go through the hassle. Then had to stand in another (short) line. Note that you do not get a ticket until you talk to an IIO, so no need to look for the dispenser when you notice other folks holding tickets
Besides, passport stamping is done on the spot, and no ticket is needed. At 8:15am, I was called to the counter. The IIO took the following items:- approval notice (courtesy copy)
- current passport and last I-94
- two copies of immigration style photo
- old EAD
I did not have any AP. She confirmed my mailing address, wrote down the A# on both sides of form I-551, took right index finger print and had me sign the form (again, both sides). Then she stamped the passport (not on page 21, as some had indicated), wrote down the A#, expiration date (one year from today) and handed it back to me. She put the pictures in a plastic envelope and attached it to the I-551. Also stapled the old I-94 to the approval notice, wrote a note on the approval notice that PP was stamped, and gave me a photocopy of it. The entire process took no more than 5 minutes
Other observations and comments:
(a) Do not park in the parking lot for the BCIS office ... some folks had done so, possibly because they had arrived early and did not notice the posted signs, and were asked by the guard to move their cars. Possible options are on-street parking on Paris St. or by the Wells Fargo Bank at the opposite corner of the complex
(b) If you're going for stamping between Sep and (possibly) October, and planning on arriving early, even if it hasn't started snowing, bring a light jacket. You'll be standing in a shaded area, and usually there's a breeze. Denver residents should be familiar with the condition
(c) Make sure you're at the correct end of the line. Folks who have appointments can go to the beginning of the line. With 15-20 people huddled around the door, it is not always obvious where the line starts
Here are all the details:
CAT : EB3
RD : Dec 21, 2001
ND : Jan 03, 2002
EAD1 : Jan 14, 2002
FP1 : Feb 22, 2002
EAD2 : Jan 13, 2003
RFE : Jul 28, 2003 (employment verification, i-20 for wife)
FP2 : Aug 09, 2003 (earlier than scheduled)
AD : Sep 02, 2003
PPS : Sep 08, 2003
My wife's case was transferred to local office on Sep 03, possibly because we got married right before filing my application. Still awaiting notice and interview appointment.
Finally ... those of you on the same boat, hang in there. It may not seem like it at times, but there is light at the end of the tunnel, and there *is* some order around this seemingly chaotic process. This forum, as well as Rupnet has been a great resource for both various information as well as moral support. But remember that only a fraction of all applicants post to these forums, and typically when frustrated
So treat them as support groups, and not true representation of current trends.Best of wishes...