Marriage-based AOS Concurrent filing - Chicago: Timeline?

[Udolpho]

Hi everybody,

I'm new to the forum, and have been learning a lot by just reading through different topics! Our lawyer is getting ready to send out our filing package (I-130, I-864, I-485, I-765, I-131 etc.), I'm hoping that will be mailed within the next couple of days. We're filing marriage-based, my husband is an USC. I'm currently on H1B status.

I have a couple questions regarding the timeline after that's sent. I know the general process - they will send you a notification on receipt, and then biometrics appointment, EAD card, Interview etc. I'm wondering if anybody knows the wait time for Chicago filers? The lawyer told us that the interview might not be scheduled till maybe 11 to 16 months later So I'm looking at a year and a half till I receive my green card. I've been reading some of the threads and noticed that some people got their interview notice in about 6 months. I also saw some people got their green card without even receiving their EAD card. I'm confused as to what to expect. I don't want to get my hopes up, and I understand it probably varies a lot between different field offices? Just wondering if somebody has any guidance on this?

Appreciate your help!!

[UScitizenFilingforspouse]

Hi everybody,

I'm new to the forum, and have been learning a lot by just reading through different topics! Our lawyer is getting ready to send out our filing package (I-130, I-864, I-485, I-765, I-131 etc.), I'm hoping that will be mailed within the next couple of days. We're filing marriage-based, my husband is an USC. I'm currently on H1B status.

I have a couple questions regarding the timeline after that's sent. I know the general process - they will send you a notification on receipt, and then biometrics appointment, EAD card, Interview etc. I'm wondering if anybody knows the wait time for Chicago filers? The lawyer told us that the interview might not be scheduled till maybe 11 to 16 months later So I'm looking at a year and a half till I receive my green card. I've been reading some of the threads and noticed that some people got their interview notice in about 6 months. I also saw some people got their green card without even receiving their EAD card. I'm confused as to what to expect. I don't want to get my hopes up, and I understand it probably varies a lot between different field offices? Just wondering if somebody has any guidance on this?

Appreciate your help!!

The are people who got scheduled for interview at the Chicago Field Office. That happened because of a system glitch. The glitch has been fixed. Do not count on it. What is important is to not have any RFEs. Let me ask you this - did your lawyer tell you to send in ALL evidence of bona fide marriage with your AOS applications?

[josger]

Read below. Exact situation you are in, from Chicago:

AOS PACKAGE SENT: 08/14/2017 Sent from Chicago -
NOA RECEIVED: 08/18/2017 -
BIOMETRICS NOTICE RECEIVED: 8/25/2017 -
BIOMETRICS COMPLETED: 9/5/2016 -
EAD APPROVED: 10/26/2017 -
NOA FOR INTERVIEW RECEIVED: 6/19/2018 (FOR 07/19/2018 )

[Udolpho]

The are people who got scheduled for interview at the Chicago Field Office. That happened because of a system glitch. The glitch has been fixed. Do not count on it. What is important is to not have any RFEs. Let me ask you this - did your lawyer tell you to send in ALL evidence of bona fide marriage with your AOS applications?

Thank you so much for the tip! Yes - I sent all the supporting documents we have - joint bank statements, joint lease, pictures with family and friends, wedding pictures, wedding band invoice paid with joint account, travel reservations in the past, drivers license with shared address, etc. Everything I could think of.
Man, wish I got the system glitch lol Ah well, I guess it's a waiting game.
I haven't scheduled my medical yet, the lawyer said to wait since it is only valid for a year, and we don't know when we'd get the interview scheduled.
Appreciate your help!

- - - Updated - - -

Read below. Exact situation you are in, from Chicago:

AOS PACKAGE SENT: 08/14/2017 Sent from Chicago -
NOA RECEIVED: 08/18/2017 -
BIOMETRICS NOTICE RECEIVED: 8/25/2017 -
BIOMETRICS COMPLETED: 9/5/2016 -
EAD APPROVED: 10/26/2017 -
NOA FOR INTERVIEW RECEIVED: 6/19/2018 (FOR 07/19/2018 )

Thank you for the timeline! That is really helpful! I'll probably get my interview next year then. Best of luck on the interview!!

[Baspill0]

The are people who got scheduled for interview at the Chicago Field Office. That happened because of a system glitch. The glitch has been fixed. Do not count on it. What is important is to not have any RFEs. Let me ask you this - did your lawyer tell you to send in ALL evidence of bona fide marriage with your AOS applications?

Indeed! I got an RFE and things are still going after 8 months.

By the way UScitizen, I noticed on your signature that all applications were assigned to a level 3 agent. Did you call for a service request? If I filed to Chicago office, and my EAD was accepted, does the rest of my application (I-485 AND I-130) get processed by the Chicago office too or by my local office Louisville, KY? Just checking to see if I can continue to contact USCIS and maybe attempt with a level 3 tier, since I contacted my senator and had no response. Louisville office says 7.5 - 22 months for I-485 so infopass is worthless.

[Udolpho]

Indeed! I got an RFE and things are still going after 8 months.

By the way UScitizen, I noticed on your signature that all applications were assigned to a level 3 agent. Did you call for a service request? If I filed to Chicago office, and my EAD was accepted, does the rest of my application (I-485 AND I-130) get processed by the Chicago office too or by my local office Louisville, KY? Just checking to see if I can continue to contact USCIS and maybe attempt with a level 3 tier, since I contacted my senator and had no response. Louisville office says 7.5 - 22 months for I-485 so infopass is worthless.

Thank you for the insight!
This might be a silly question, but what would trigger a RFE? I feel like we've provided everything we can think of, I wonder is there a list of common items people miss? So I can check against that and make sure I'm not skipping over anything?

[UScitizenFilingforspouse]

Indeed! I got an RFE and things are still going after 8 months.

By the way UScitizen, I noticed on your signature that all applications were assigned to a level 3 agent. Did you call for a service request? If I filed to Chicago office, and my EAD was accepted, does the rest of my application (I-485 AND I-130) get processed by the Chicago office too or by my local office Louisville, KY? Just checking to see if I can continue to contact USCIS and maybe attempt with a level 3 tier, since I contacted my senator and had no response. Louisville office says 7.5 - 22 months for I-485 so infopass is worthless.

Baspill0,

let me clarify. I called and spoke to a supervisor. Lately, I just get my calls escalated right away because Level 2 officers do not seem to have straight answers for me. So this level 3 officer told me that on 06-13-18 all applications had been assigned to an officer for response. That officer is an adjudicator at the NBC. Then, clarified that my name had been put on the list for interviews. And that assigning the applications to an officer for response is the last step in the process.

I also read the Ombudsman's most recent report, and it says there that the NBC strives to relocate files within 19 to 22 days of assigning the applications to an officer for response.

One more thing, you sent your applications to the Chicago lockbox. Most people do if filing concurrently. Then, your file is transferred to the National Benefits Center - Lee Summit, MO. This used to be the Missouri Service Center. That's why your receipts start with MSC. The NBC takes care of the family based AOS EADs and coordinates the scheduling of interviews for all field offices.

Your file stays at the NBC until the day that your interview is scheduled. It does not make sense to send it to the field office before then. After all, your address could change and that would be inefficient.

Bear in mind that when you call the National customer service number, you are calling the Contact Center. That is not the National Benefits Center. They are separate.

All the best, USCFFS

[Plz]

Baspill0,

let me clarify. I called and spoke to a supervisor. Lately, I just get my calls escalated right away because Level 2 officers do not seem to have straight answers for me. So this level 3 officer told me that on 06-13-18 all applications had been assigned to an officer for response. That officer is an adjudicator at the NBC. Then, clarified that my name had been put on the list for interviews. And that assigning the applications to an officer for response is the last step in the process.

I also read the Ombudsman's most recent report, and it says there that the NBC strives to relocate files within 19 to 22 days of assigning the applications to an officer for response.

One more thing, you sent your applications to the Chicago lockbox. Most people do if filing concurrently. Then, your file is transferred to the National Benefits Center - Lee Summit, MO. This used to be the Missouri Service Center. That's why your receipts start with MSC. The NBC takes care of the family based AOS EADs and coordinates the scheduling of interviews for all field offices.

Your file stays at the NBC until the day that your interview is scheduled. It does not make sense to send it to the field office before then. After all, your address could change and that would be inefficient.

Bear in mind that when you call the National customer service number, you are calling the Contact Center. That is not the National Benefits Center. They are separate.

All the best, USCFFS

Great info. Again Learning so much reading your posts. How does the EAD process work? Is that issued after file is sent to the field office or before?

[helpmylife]

My timeline is probably not what you want to see, but it happens.

[josger]

My timeline is probably not what you want to see, but it happens.

Jesus . I looked at you post and sorry you got the Noid. Do you think it was because primarily because you had a previous marriage ?

[UScitizenFilingforspouse]

Great info. Again Learning so much reading your posts. How does the EAD process work? Is that issued after file is sent to the field office or before?

The EAD/AP applications are "peeled off" the AOS package and processed independently from the I-485/I-130. That's why sometimes you see people who have their interviews before getting the EAD/AP.

I am a fan of skipping the EAD/AP and going straight to interviews.

[Baspill0]

Baspill0,

let me clarify. I called and spoke to a supervisor. Lately, I just get my calls escalated right away because Level 2 officers do not seem to have straight answers for me. So this level 3 officer told me that on 06-13-18 all applications had been assigned to an officer for response. That officer is an adjudicator at the NBC. Then, clarified that my name had been put on the list for interviews. And that assigning the applications to an officer for response is the last step in the process.

I also read the Ombudsman's most recent report, and it says there that the NBC strives to relocate files within 19 to 22 days of assigning the applications to an officer for response.

One more thing, you sent your applications to the Chicago lockbox. Most people do if filing concurrently. Then, your file is transferred to the National Benefits Center - Lee Summit, MO. This used to be the Missouri Service Center. That's why your receipts start with MSC. The NBC takes care of the family based AOS EADs and coordinates the scheduling of interviews for all field offices.

Your file stays at the NBC until the day that your interview is scheduled. It does not make sense to send it to the field office before then. After all, your address could change and that would be inefficient.

Bear in mind that when you call the National customer service number, you are calling the Contact Center. That is not the National Benefits Center. They are separate.

All the best, USCFFS

This is great info, I will call to check on if my case is also assigned for an officer to respond. If you do not mind me asking, how did you get pass a level 2 office to speak with a tier 3? In my experience, level 2 officers are very dry and do not want to cooperate much, I cannot even begin to think how to get past them to talk to the next person in the chain.

My RFE was a copy of the latest federal taxes from the co-sponsor. I guess they wanted an updated one since the case was now in 2018?

[Tropical-Africana]

crazy wait, frastrating calls to uscis

Okay, let me just start by saying that i hope none of y'all is suffering from depression and mini heart breaks everytime you open your case statuses like i do, my timeline is as follows:

Marriage-based AOS - Concurrent filing. My husband worked in the army and I really thought this would help our case,lol shock on me!
02-14-18 - Priority date.
02-22-18 - 4 Email/Text notifications
02-23-18 - Four I-797 NOA letters - by mail.
03-10-18 - Biometrics App. mail for the 19th
03-19-18 - Biometrics Walk-in
NOTHING
NOTHING
NOTHING
06/01/18 Made a call to the number to track my case and request for expedite on grounds that my petitioner is ill, contacted Ombudsman, visited my local congressman office, submitted everything faxed, emailed, mailed and talked to everybody that cared to listen in those respective offices, keeping my cool all this time but the truth is, i am not calm, i am thinking of quitting this whole process and going back to my country...i am getting responses from ombudsman and local congressman office but nothing reflects on the process, its been weeks, I hope, pray crossing my fingers that something will come up in the coming few days, I cant raise another SR as 1month isn't over yet

06/01/2018 On June 1, 2018, your request to have your case expedited, referral number T1S1000000000MSC, was assigned to an officer for response.

Several conflicting answers from the offices on the status of my case, and decided to quit calling them all together,

06/21/2018 congressman Office: (what USCIS wrote them)Thank you for your inquiry regarding this constituent?s immigration matter. This case will be routed for expedited processing. Once this case is reviewed, your constituent will receive a decision or notice of further action. Due to the extremely high volume of expedite requests for this case type, there are numerous cases involving exigent or humanitarian issues already in the expedite queue, and we are unable to provide a specific timeframe for the expedited review. The strict enforcement of the expedite criteria means that all cases sent for expeditious handling are urgent, and we assure you that this case will be adjudicated as soon as possible

06/30/2018 Ombudsman: The Ombudsman's Office hasn't received a response to our below communication, but, given the circumstances and the medical documentation, we have contacted U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regarding your EAD application. We will notify you when we receive information from USCIS.

I LIVE IN ALBANY GA
FILED AT CHICAGO LOCKBOX
MY RECEIPT STARTS WITH MSC# SO NBC IS WORKING ON MY CASE
FINGERPRINTS TAKEN AT JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA
LOOKING AT MY FIELD OFFICE, IT DIRECTS ME TO MONTGOMERY, AL....(wondering how uscis works?)
someone explain

i will continue to update you with how mine is going, I wish you well as we keep up with this wait

[UScitizenFilingforspouse]

This is great info, I will call to check on if my case is also assigned for an officer to respond. If you do not mind me asking, how did you get pass a level 2 office to speak with a tier 3? In my experience, level 2 officers are very dry and do not want to cooperate much, I cannot even begin to think how to get past them to talk to the next person in the chain.

My RFE was a copy of the latest federal taxes from the co-sponsor. I guess they wanted an updated one since the case was now in 2018?

I tell them I will ONLY speak to a supervisor. I usually let them tell me an inaccurate fact first; e.g., Your field office is processing cases as of May 6th, 2016. Then, I correct that. That's not what case inquiry date means. LOL, and go from there. Or mention that I am ready to file a complaint, and ask for their ID again. Then I ask questions to the level 3 and then the level 3 eventually starts asking if he can put me on hold in order to ask his supervisor.

As you can tell, I am not one to sit back and trust the process. I do not trust the process or the current administration.

If you filed before 04-17-18, then current tax year at the time was 2016. It's hit or miss. Some adjudicators will let that slide and of course you will have to bring 2017 to the interview. Others, will just issue the RFE because they are swamped with cases and that buys them time.

I sent 2017 taxes in March in order to avoid all that.

[ChicagoVB]

Our timeline

PD 11/17/17
Biometrics completed 12/10/17
EAD/AP Approval 4/11/18
Ready to schedule interview 4/18/17