How long wait to receive RFIE letter?

[gradapplicant]

My case was updated online, stating they sent a request for initial evidence on Sept 6. I received a yellow letter on Sept 12, dated Sept 6, however this form just says it is a notice that I will have to submit the I-693 medical form at a later time/ bring it to the interview.

My guess is that this is not the request for initial evidence. How quickly do people usually get the letters? It's driving me crazy not knowing what they need from us. I am also REALLY hoping to receive my advance parole by mid December, which no longer seems like an option now.

[Walbrzyszanka21]

My case was updated online, stating they sent a request for initial evidence on Sept 6. I received a yellow letter on Sept 12, dated Sept 6, however this form just says it is a notice that I will have to submit the I-693 medical form at a later time/ bring it to the interview.

My guess is that this is not the request for initial evidence. How quickly do people usually get the letters? It's driving me crazy not knowing what they need from us. I am also REALLY hoping to receive my advance parole by mid December, which no longer seems like an option now.

Did you submit the I-693 with all of your applications?

[gradapplicant]

Did you submit the I-693 with all of your applications?

No, I did not send in the I-693 yet, my understanding is that you can do that later to avoid it expiring before you get an interview. My question is, is the yellow document the RFIE, or am I waiting on another paper. The yellow paper states "DO NOT MAIL DOCUMENTS AT THIS TIME". Mailing documents before receiving one of the notices above may result in a delay to your case.

[Walbrzyszanka21]

No, I did not send in the I-693 yet, my understanding is that you can do that later to avoid it expiring before you get an interview. My question is, is the yellow document the RFIE, or am I waiting on another paper. The yellow paper states "DO NOT MAIL DOCUMENTS AT THIS TIME". Mailing documents before receiving one of the notices above may result in a delay to your case.

Sorry I wouldn't know since I never got a yellow paper or RFE. I understand that getting the medical exam is not cheap but I think it is better to have it sent with all forms but that is just my opinion. I got the impression that all forms needed to be sent, regardless of the possibility of them getting expired.

[gradapplicant]

Sorry I wouldn't know since I never got a yellow paper or RFE. I understand that getting the medical exam is not cheap but I think it is better to have it sent with all forms but that is just my opinion. I got the impression that all forms needed to be sent, regardless of the possibility of them getting expired.

I think they recently changed it as the process takes so long. This is what the website says about where to file it:

"If you are applying for adjustment of status, you may submit Form I-693 in one of the following ways:

Submit Form I-693 by mail, together with your Form I-485, Application to Register for Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to the location specified for your Form I-485 (see “Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-485”).
Submit Form I-693 by mail, after filing your Form I-485, to the location specified in your most recent communication with USCIS (for example, a Request for Evidence letter from USCIS).
Submit Form I-693 in person, at an interview in a USCIS field office (if an interview is required)"

My yellow letter says I will be required to submit the I-693 at a later date. What is worrying me is that it seems like there is nothing really that should be holding up my case, and I need to be able to travel within a few months. Yet my case status still says that no progress will be made on my case until they receive the initial evidence requested.

[Walbrzyszanka21]

I think they recently changed it as the process takes so long. This is what the website says about where to file it:

"If you are applying for adjustment of status, you may submit Form I-693 in one of the following ways:

Submit Form I-693 by mail, together with your Form I-485, Application to Register for Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to the location specified for your Form I-485 (see “Direct Filing Addresses for Form I-485”).
Submit Form I-693 by mail, after filing your Form I-485, to the location specified in your most recent communication with USCIS (for example, a Request for Evidence letter from USCIS).
Submit Form I-693 in person, at an interview in a USCIS field office (if an interview is required)"

My yellow letter says I will be required to submit the I-693 at a later date. What is worrying me is that it seems like there is nothing really that should be holding up my case, and I need to be able to travel within a few months. Yet my case status still says that no progress will be made on my case until they receive the initial evidence requested.

What's your timeline?

[gradapplicant]

What's your timeline?

PD: 8/11/17
Notice of biometrics: 8/21
Biometrics taken: 9/6
My Case Status update on 9/6: RFIE letter sent on 9/6, no action will be taken on the case until documents are received
Received yellow “Notice to the Applicant” of missing I-693 on 9/12

I realize that is not a very long time, but for planning purposes I really need to know whether my case is actually delayed or not. If the I-693 is the only thing missing, they should still be working on my case as even the yellow letter states I can submit it at the interview. I am wondering if the message on My Case Status saying no action will be taken on my case may not apply to be, given the nature of the missing document.

[Walbrzyszanka21]

PD: 8/11/17
Notice of biometrics: 8/21
Biometrics taken: 9/6
My Case Status update on 9/6: RFIE letter sent on 9/6, no action will be taken on the case until documents are received
Received yellow “Notice to the Applicant” of missing I-693 on 9/12

I realize that is not a very long time, but for planning purposes I really need to know whether my case is actually delayed or not. If the I-693 is the only thing missing, they should still be working on my case as even the yellow letter states I can submit it at the interview. I am wondering if the message on My Case Status saying no action will be taken on my case may not apply to be, given the nature of the missing document.

I would say call USCIS. Or hopefully someone can provide a better answer than me.

[gradapplicant]

I would say call USCIS. Or hopefully someone can provide a better answer than me.

Unfortunately I did try that today, the call was so frustrating that I was almost in tears by the end of it. It kept going in circles along the lines of:

Me: My case status says they will take no action on my case until they receive the RFIE documents, yet the yellow RFIE notice states that I can bring the medical form to the interview, and that I should not send any documents now. What do I do?

Him: Just take the documents they want to the interview.

Me: How will I get an interview if they aren't taking any action on my case?

Him: Just send them the documents that they are asking for.

Me: They are telling me not to send anything.

Him: Then take it to the interview...

In circles until I nearly lost it. He was extremely condescending and talked to me as af I was a child or something. I should have asked to speak to someone else, but I suffer from severe politeness, haha. I don't know where to go from here, I cannot afford not knowing if the case is on hold or not. Thank you for your support by the way! I'm going to try and call again tomorrow, hopefully I will get a more competent and friendly person on the phone. I will keep folks updated in case this situation
applies to anyone else.

[Walbrzyszanka21]

Unfortunately I did try that today, the call was so frustrating that I was almost in tears by the end of it. It kept going in circles along the lines of:

Me: My case status says they will take no action on my case until they receive the RFIE documents, yet the yellow RFIE notice states that I can bring the medical form to the interview, and that I should not send any documents now. What do I do?

Him: Just take the documents they want to the interview.

Me: How will I get an interview if they aren't taking any action on my case?

Him: Just send them the documents that they are asking for.

Me: They are telling me not to send anything.

Him: Then take it to the interview...

In circles until I nearly lost it. He was extremely condescending and talked to me as af I was a child or something. I should have asked to speak to someone else, but I suffer from severe politeness, haha. I don't know where to go from here, I cannot afford not knowing if the case is on hold or not. Thank you for your support by the way! I'm going to try and call again tomorrow, hopefully I will get a more competent and friendly person on the phone. I will keep folks updated in case this situation
applies to anyone else.

If you call and the person is just not helping, then ask to speak to a Tier 2 officer.

[gradapplicant]

If you call and the person is just not helping, then ask to speak to a Tier 2 officer.

This actually was the Tier 2 officer, the first person I spoke to was very nice and helpful, she transferred me to tier 2 as she didn't know the answer to my question. I will definitely try again though in the hopes of reaching a different person.

[Walbrzyszanka21]

This actually was the Tier 2 officer, the first person I spoke to was very nice and helpful, she transferred me to tier 2 as she didn't know the answer to my question. I will definitely try again though in the hopes of reaching a different person.

Wishing you the best. If that won't be a success, then I would just get the I-693 medical form done and completed by a certified USCIS doctor. I know the examination can be pricey but I would look up and see which one has the lowest price. To help lower the price, have your record of shots.

[sterai79]

Did not submit a form i-693 along with my application.

I jus sent in my application 2days ago and I follow d instructions saying u can bring along ur i-693 to d interview cos my civil surgeon was taken forever so my spouse n I decided to sent d forms in..hope I won't receive RFE...SCARED N CONFUSED

[gradapplicant]

Sharing an update! I spoke to a very helpful person with USCIS. He explained that I do not have to do anything at this point and that my case is not on hold - the message on My Case Status stating that no action will be taken until they receive my documents is a generic update that everybody receiving an RFIE gets. In my case, it does not apply to me as I can submit the medical form at the interview.

[Walbrzyszanka21]

Sharing an update! I spoke to a very helpful person with USCIS. He explained that I do not have to do anything at this point and that my case is not on hold - the message on My Case Status stating that no action will be taken until they receive my documents is a generic update that everybody receiving an RFIE gets. In my case, it does not apply to me as I can submit the medical form at the interview.

That is good news. Now you can rest easily knowing that your case was not put on hold.