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I went through something similar last year! Here's what worked for me: 1) Call USCIS and request they mail a new access code to YOUR address (not the old lawyer's), 2) Ask them to update your mailing address in the system while you're on the call, and 3) Get a confirmation number for both requests. Also, make sure your new lawyer files an updated G-28 if they haven't already. The whole process took about 2-3 weeks for me to get the new code in the mail. Don't give up - you'll get through this! 💪
I found a method to get someone on the phone. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/eSz742AOvHc
I've heard about Claimyr as well, and while the cost might be a concern for some, convenience can be worth it. That said, it's important to weigh the pros and cons and see if it's the right choice for your situation.
I'm going through a similar situation right now! Been waiting 4 months for my spouse's status change from F2A to IR1. What I've learned is that even though you became a citizen, USCIS still needs to process the upgrade request. Have you tried submitting a case inquiry online through their website? You can do this if your case is outside normal processing times. Also, keep all your documentation handy - sometimes they ask for additional evidence even for straightforward cases like these. The waiting is brutal but you're definitely not alone in this! 🤞
Unpopular opinion: maybe we should all just chill and be patient? The immigration system is overwhelmed, and getting angry won't make it go faster. 🤷♂️
I'm going through something similar with my I-130 case. One thing that helped me was calling early in the morning (around 8 AM EST) when the phone lines open - I usually get through faster then. Also, if you have trouble with English on the phone, you can request a translator during the call. They're required to provide one for free. Don't give up! I know it's frustrating but keep advocating for yourself. Have you tried checking if your case is within normal processing times on their website? That can give you a better idea of whether an inquiry is worth submitting.
Just wondering, how long did it take for your permit work to get approved? I'm still waiting on mine and getting anxious.
I went through something similar a few months ago! The key thing is to make sure your new attorney has filed the proper paperwork (Form G-28) to officially represent you. Once that's on file, USCIS should automatically send everything to your new attorney's address instead of the old one. For the apartment number issue, I'd suggest calling back and asking the agent to read your address exactly as it appears in their system. Sometimes there are formatting quirks that cause problems - like if there's an extra space or missing punctuation. You might also want to consider updating your address online through your USCIS account just to be absolutely sure everything matches up. Don't stress too much though - even if there's a mix-up, these things can usually be sorted out. The important thing is that your permit got approved! 🎉
Myles Regis
I'm dealing with a similar issue right now! My I-551 replacement got returned and I'm hitting the same wall with the e-request tool. One thing that's been working for me is using the USCIS case status tool to submit an "outside normal processing time" inquiry - even though it's not technically outside normal processing, the system sometimes accepts it for delivery issues. Also, if you have the tracking number from when they originally mailed it, USPS can sometimes provide a detailed delivery report that shows exactly why it was returned (wrong address format, insufficient postage, etc.). Having that specific info when you do get through to USCIS makes the conversation go much smoother. Don't lose hope - April 27 sounds scary but they're usually reasonable if you can show you're actively trying to resolve it!
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Yuki Sato
•Oh wow, I didn't know you could use the case status tool for delivery issues! That's really clever. I'm definitely going to try that approach too. The tracking number tip is great - I should still have that somewhere in my emails from when they first sent it. Thanks for sharing another option, it's good to know there are multiple ways to tackle this problem!
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Austin Leonard
I went through this exact nightmare 3 months ago with my replacement green card! The e-request tool failing is super common - it's like their system can't handle delivery issues properly. Here's my game plan that worked: First, try the "case status inquiry" method that @Myles Regis mentioned - it's a backdoor that sometimes works even when the e-request doesn't. Second, when you call (and you WILL get through eventually), ask specifically for a "card production and delivery specialist" - this gets you past the first-tier reps who can only read scripts. Most importantly though - document EVERYTHING. Screenshot the broken e-request tool, save your call logs, keep copies of any letters you send. I created a simple spreadsheet with dates and what I tried each day. When I finally got the right person on the phone, having all that documentation made them take my case seriously immediately. The April 27 deadline is real but not as scary as it sounds - they want to resolve this too, they just make it unnecessarily difficult. You've got plenty of time to try multiple approaches! Keep us posted on what works for you 🤞
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Anderson Prospero
•This is such a comprehensive approach! I love the idea of creating a spreadsheet to track everything - that's so smart for staying organized and showing you're serious about resolving it. The tip about asking for a "card production and delivery specialist" is gold too, I never would have known to use those specific words. I'm definitely going to start documenting everything from now on. Thanks for taking the time to share such detailed advice, it really helps to know that others have gotten through this successfully! 📝✨
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