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.
Background: Wife's H1 expires in a couple of weeks. Needed EAD card. Had filed I-765 on sept 07 2005. Five months and no EAD card yet. Checked with INS 800 number. Found the card was at Missouri ( Lee's Summit ) service center. Since time was running out on the H1 B. Took an appointment at Detroit Office. For interim EAD. Here is a sequence of events for some one else who might need an interim EAD in Detroit MI.