Filed under: Immigration
The USCIS issued instructions
(PDF 32.7KB) August 6, 2009 on how to follow up on cases pending at the USCIS service centers. These instructions should be followed by individuals and organizations inquiring about timelines and generic information. One should NOT rely on general information from the government for legal options, analysis of a particular situation, or advice on how to proceed in a particular immigration case.
First Step : Call NCSC’s Toll-Free Number
The first step in the instructions is to call the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) at their phone number (1.800.375.5283). It is necessary to have the USCIS receipt number and other case-related, identifying information in order to make such inquiries.
It is suggested that one keep the name and/or ID number of the person with whom s/he speaks, as well as the date and time of the call. One should also keep any service request referral number, if there is action taken on the case.
Second Step : eMail Service Center after 30 days
If the NCSC has not been able to resolve the particular matter within 30 days, then it is possible to send an eMail to the service center that has the case. In order to use the eMail service, it is necessary to have the information regarding the initial call to the NCSC; that is, the name and/or ID number of the representative, date and time of the call, and the service request referral number. If no service referral was made, it is necessary to indicate why the NCSC did not take this action.
The eMail addresses for this purpose are as follows:
California Service Center : csc-ncsc-followup@dhs.gov
Vermont Service Center : vsc.ncscfollowup@dhs.gov
Nebraska Service Center : ncscfollowup.nsc@dhs.gov
Texas Service Center : tsc.ncscfollowup@dhs.gov
Third Step : eMail to USCIS Headquarters
If there is still no resolution in the case after 21 days of sending the eMail described in step two, it is possible to eMail the USCIS Headquarters Office of Service Center Operations. This eMail address is SCOPSSCATA@dhs.gov. The USCIS promises a response to these inquiries within ten days.
Conclusion : General Information No Substitute for Legal Advice
Potentially, the case follow-up procedures can be helpful for many situations. Each step requires a waiting time, however. In some situations, such as case denials with time-sensitive deadlines, it is not advisable to wait for NCSC action. There are deadlines (often only 30 days and sometimes 15 days) for challenging certain USCIS decisions. If a case is denied, or if one encounters serious problems otherwise, it is necessary to obtain proper legal advice and not assume that a call to the NCSC is all that is needed.
It should be noted that calls to the NCSC are answered by individuals who provide general immigration information based on scripts. Responses to one’s inquiry should be considered only as a general guideline, and not as a substitute for proper legal advice. We at the Murthy Law Firm sometimes speak with individuals who wish to make an immigration filing, because they think that the NCSC told them they could do so. They may have been told that, in order to do what they wish to do, it is necessary to file a certain form. However, NCSC does not evaluate whether one is legally eligible to file, whether it is the correct procedure for that individual or family, or if other considerations exist that may completely change the equation. Speaking with a knowledgeable lawyer for case-specific, individualized advice as to one’s immigration options is a safer and, actually, much less expensive option in the long run. The NCSC should be used for case follow up and general immigration information only.
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i was granted asylum.i applied for the green card last year but i have not recieve any response for my case.i had a devorce,change my names and reapplied for a new social security card with a change of names and i was given a restricted social security card with which i can not work with.
Comment by evodia mbosi September 1, 2009 @ 7:02 pmthis morning i was terminated from my job site becuse they said i could not work any more.
why was i not given a non restricted social security card?
i have been waiting for the addidional evidence from the immigration mailed on the 12 of august and have not seen it till today.so what are mind to do?
i am by self with a 2 years old boy.iam am the soul provider for the both of us.
please i need some documents to get back to work.
my employer needs some documents to prove iam eligible to work in the united states. so why is my stutus not alowing me to work? please do something and let me know what i can do to get back to work.
please i need the restriction taken off my social security for me to go back to work.why was i issued a valid social security card and now the card is no longer for employment?pls i donot have any family here so i have no where to go if i stay unemployed.
Comment by evodia mbosi September 1, 2009 @ 7:07 pmareindividuals who have been granted asylum not eligible to work in the state?i deed a name change from lum e akongnwi to evodia lumbiengwa mbosi due to a divorce.pls i need you to help with the restriction on my card so i can go back to work.thank you so mucn and have a good day.
Comment by evodia mbosi September 1, 2009 @ 7:10 pm