I went to Arlington office on Wednesday, October 27th early in the morning around 7am. There were maybe 30 people already waiting in front of the building before me. Normally office opens at 7.30 if I am not mistaken. I was waiting not more than 15 minutes when immigration officer showed up and started asking people if there was anyone having an appointment. He came to me and asked the same question. I said I did not have any appointment and that I came for interim EAD. He told me that everyone has to have an appointment in order get an interim EAD.
I am currently in the last stage of getting my employment based Green Card (My I-485 has been filed for). I received an EAD valid for a year. I filed for an extension of the EAD some 120 days or so prior to its expiry. USCIS sent in a RFE (Request For Evidence) some 80 days after my filing. I sent in the requested evidence within 10 days of the RFE. When my current EAD expired, I went to the Detroit USCIS office to get an interim EAD. After waiting for over 3 hours, the USCIS rep. took less than 10 minutes to review all my documents and refused to issue me an interim EAD.
I applied for post-grad OPT on Feb 14, my card was approved on May 26. I never received my card and I decided to go ahead and go to get interim EAD. Handed in my infopass appointment sheet at the door of 26 Federal Plaza and was directed to the 3rd floor. At 3rd floor, an officer scanned my sheet and my I797 Notice to make sure its more than 90 days since I first applied for EAD. Then he gave me an N number and directed me to the 9 floor. At the 9 floor, my number was called. Unforunately, I need a proof of residence in new york.
I reached the office at 7.30 am on 12/11 (91st day after RD on I-765 notice) and found that I was the only one out there. Since it was 8 deg in the morning, this didnt come as a surprise to me
The office opened at 8 and I was given a token when I entered. I was called in about 20 minutes.
I took the following documents with me:
1. Copy of I-765 notice
2. Copy of I-485 notice
3. Filled out new I-765 form
am sharing the following info for all, i am sure it helps:
my parents came to US in mar2004, got 6 mon entry. 6-mo extn filed early aug, website showed approval late sept, approval letter recd early oct. they have come to US 2 times earlier (2000 for 1 month and late 2002 for 5 mo). Note that we sent photocopy of I-94, NOT the original.
DOCUMENTS SENT WITH APPLICATION:
3 LETTERS: 1 from my father requesting extn, 1 from me saying I will take them around and will support them, and 1 similar letter from my brother.
Just want to post my success story to help all those silent sufferers who are looking for guidance on Vacation recapture.
My 6th year H1 expired on Oct-13-2004. My company filed for LC in Feb-2004 and I did not meet criteria for 7th year extension.