6/26/2009

1. Pre-Adjudicating I-485s - Even when Priority Dates are Not Current

The Nebraska Service Center (NSC) is reviewing and pre-adjudicating I-485 cases for which the priority dates are not current. The goal is to have the cases reviewed and ready for final decision, once the priority date is current. 

2. USCIS Can Refresh Fingerprinting Checks Automatically

The NSC has a new, internal procedure for renewing fingerprint checks, without the need for a new biometric appointment. This procedure applies to about 95 percent of the cases in which initial fingerprinting occurred after January 1, 2006. Thus, even when fingerprinting has expired, it should be possible in most cases to refresh them internally without a new biometrics appointment.

There are some cases for which data is missing and new prints will be requested. This is a significant improvement, resulting in a savings of time and money, which should eliminate the need for repeated fingerprinting and related delays.

3. RFEs Issued on H1B Employment or Other Status Concerns

A question was asked about the common Requests for Evidence (RFEs) issued by NSC requesting proof of employment authorization. These are issued in connection with I-485 cases and, normally, request proof of employment authorization following the expiration of the H1B held at the time the I-485 was filed. Since many of these applicants have approved H1B extensions, a question was asked about the USCIS officers' access to this data.

The NSC explained that the officers have access to this information. However, there are imperfections in the system from a variety of sources and not all records can be tracked without the receipt notices.