After interview and approval on July 22 there was no communication from INS other than an approval letter from the local INS office to facilitate passport stamping. On 10/10/03 we recd a welcome notice from INS with a new EAC# for aplication type I181. We recd the same welcome notice again on 10/12/03. Both these stated that it would take about 3 weeks for us to receive the plastic card. Received the plastic card on 10/14/03.
The funny part was that the ND for this welcome notice was 05/10/2003 and RD was 07/23/2003. I was approved only on July 22nd so how can ND be 05/10/2003. Beats me!! Never try to analyze INS.
Here is the online message for the I181 application
Receipt Number: EAC031835xxxx
Application Type: I181, CREATION OF RECORD OF LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENCE
Current Status:
This case has been approved. On October 9, 2003, an approval notice was mailed. If 14 days have passed and you have not received this notice, you may wish to verify or update your address. To update your address, please call the National Customer Service Center at (800) 375-5283.