AP success in Detroit - finally
#1
AP success in Detroit - finally
Hello all,
3 months and 2 days after I sent the I-131 application to the Detroit CIS office, I finally received a letter in the mail telling me to come pick it up within 30 days.
I've probably been worrying waaaaay to much about this, but an x-mas trip to Norway has been riding on this Advance Parole, not to mention a couple of thousands of dollars spent on tickets...
Here's the process (so far - I'm heading out to Detroit next week to get the paperwork)
8.12: Mailed all paperwork + money order
9.31: Received notice of receipt, plus statement saying "this will take 5 months, don't bother calling us until then..."
10.06: Posted questions to BE, worrying, worrying...
10.10: Sent emails to two Michigan senators, asking for help in ascertaining the status of my application
10.17: Got 1st answer from Sen. Levin, saying that they would try to help
10.27: After 3 weeks of trying, calling and waiting, finally got the CIS AP Clerk to verify that my application was "on the officer's desk" and should be done "very shortly"
10.28: Got 2nd letter from Sen. Levin, saying this shouldn't take more than 90 days and that they were almost done
11.14: Notice of completed processing received in mail
11.14: Got 1st letter from the other Senator, saying they'd see what they could find out... :-)
So, off I go to Detroit next week, and off we all go on December 19th to visit family and friends in Scandihoovia!
Best,
Eiolf
PS: I have the correct number + extension for the AP clerk (Sarina Sandusky) if anyone wants it. She turned out to be very nice and tried her best to be helpful.
3 months and 2 days after I sent the I-131 application to the Detroit CIS office, I finally received a letter in the mail telling me to come pick it up within 30 days.
I've probably been worrying waaaaay to much about this, but an x-mas trip to Norway has been riding on this Advance Parole, not to mention a couple of thousands of dollars spent on tickets...
Here's the process (so far - I'm heading out to Detroit next week to get the paperwork)
8.12: Mailed all paperwork + money order
9.31: Received notice of receipt, plus statement saying "this will take 5 months, don't bother calling us until then..."
10.06: Posted questions to BE, worrying, worrying...
10.10: Sent emails to two Michigan senators, asking for help in ascertaining the status of my application
10.17: Got 1st answer from Sen. Levin, saying that they would try to help
10.27: After 3 weeks of trying, calling and waiting, finally got the CIS AP Clerk to verify that my application was "on the officer's desk" and should be done "very shortly"
10.28: Got 2nd letter from Sen. Levin, saying this shouldn't take more than 90 days and that they were almost done
11.14: Notice of completed processing received in mail
11.14: Got 1st letter from the other Senator, saying they'd see what they could find out... :-)
So, off I go to Detroit next week, and off we all go on December 19th to visit family and friends in Scandihoovia!
Best,
Eiolf
PS: I have the correct number + extension for the AP clerk (Sarina Sandusky) if anyone wants it. She turned out to be very nice and tried her best to be helpful.
#2
Re: AP success in Detroit - finally
Originally posted by esandstr
So, off I go to Detroit next week...
So, off I go to Detroit next week...
The letter I received says I should be at the CIS office between 7am and 3.30pm to pick up my AP documents in person.
Does anyone know or have any experience whether I should go earlyearly in the morning or if it's ok to "just show up" at some point, like around 11am?
thanks,
Eiolf
#3
Re: AP success in Detroit - finally
Originally posted by esandstr
11.14: Notice of completed processing received in mail
11.14: Got 1st letter from the other Senator, saying they'd see what they could find out... :-)
11.14: Notice of completed processing received in mail
11.14: Got 1st letter from the other Senator, saying they'd see what they could find out... :-)
Glad to see everything worked out and you will be on your way to Europe in no time. Congrats and have fun!
#4
Re: AP success in Detroit - finally
I would go early, from experience the office fills by 11am and you may find yourself waiting outside for someone to leave (they only cram so many in at once).
We were there at 7am for our AOS and there was already a cue.
Jan
We were there at 7am for our AOS and there was already a cue.
Jan
#5
Re: AP success in Detroit - finally
Originally posted by jan_michigan
I would go early, from experience the office fills by 11am and you may find yourself waiting outside for someone to leave (they only cram so many in at once).
We were there at 7am for our AOS and there was already a cue.
Jan
I would go early, from experience the office fills by 11am and you may find yourself waiting outside for someone to leave (they only cram so many in at once).
We were there at 7am for our AOS and there was already a cue.
Jan
#6
Re: AP success in Detroit - finally
Originally posted by jan_michigan
errrrr make that QUE *sigh*
errrrr make that QUE *sigh*
(Wouldn't even have noticed error hadn't you pointed it out yourself *L*)
#7
Re: AP success in Detroit - finally
Originally posted by Steffi
Not to be a poopoohead, but isn't it "queue" actually?
(Wouldn't even have noticed error hadn't you pointed it out yourself *L*)
Not to be a poopoohead, but isn't it "queue" actually?
(Wouldn't even have noticed error hadn't you pointed it out yourself *L*)
Jan
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: AP success in Detroit - finally
greetings - my husband and i simple went to the Detroit office to pick up his
Advance Parol. Piece of cake! Just walk in at anytime, go up to the front
window, show them your AV paper you received in the mail, and voila - the nice
lady looks up your name and there ya go - an AV paper. In and out in 5
minutes.
Couln't believe how easy that was.
Good Luck
Marian and My Dream Come True Parisian Husband - Arno
AOS success Detroit Nov. 10, 2003!!!!
Advance Parol. Piece of cake! Just walk in at anytime, go up to the front
window, show them your AV paper you received in the mail, and voila - the nice
lady looks up your name and there ya go - an AV paper. In and out in 5
minutes.
Couln't believe how easy that was.
Good Luck
Marian and My Dream Come True Parisian Husband - Arno
AOS success Detroit Nov. 10, 2003!!!!
#9
Re: AP success in Detroit - finally
Originally posted by Mvstolar
Couln't believe how easy that was.
Good Luck
Marian and My Dream Come True Parisian Husband - Arno
AOS success Detroit Nov. 10, 2003!!!!
Couln't believe how easy that was.
Good Luck
Marian and My Dream Come True Parisian Husband - Arno
AOS success Detroit Nov. 10, 2003!!!!
Greetings and salutations! Thanks for the wonderful information/news - just what I was hoping for! Now I'm gonna take it nice and slow on the way to Detroit - enjoy the trip for once - and pick up the paperwork and dream of x-mas...
Thanks again Marian and Arno!
best wishes,
Eiolf
#10
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 709
Re: AP success in Detroit - finally
why is there such a thing as "advanced parole" (whatever that means). If it's always given and rarely denied -- why even have it? Why not just let people leave and return using the same paperwork they used to come in???
and why exactly is it so "advanced"???
-= nav =-
and why exactly is it so "advanced"???
-= nav =-
#11
Re: AP success in Detroit - finally
Originally posted by supernav
why is there such a thing as "advanced parole" (whatever that means). If it's always given and rarely denied -- why even have it? Why not just let people leave and return using the same paperwork they used to come in???
and why exactly is it so "advanced"???
-= nav =-
why is there such a thing as "advanced parole" (whatever that means). If it's always given and rarely denied -- why even have it? Why not just let people leave and return using the same paperwork they used to come in???
and why exactly is it so "advanced"???
-= nav =-
Oooo, I saw a good and detailed and very complicated explanation the other day in this forum, posted by one of our resident immigration attorneys (glory be to them! :-)
So, there is actually a very good reason why it's called "AP", and there's much more to it than meets the eye... Can anyone remember the thread?
Eiolf
#12
former Rochesterian
Joined: Apr 2003
Location: Maryland / husband originally from England
Posts: 179
Re: AP success in Detroit - finally
Originally posted by supernav
and why exactly is it so "advanced"???
-= nav =-
and why exactly is it so "advanced"???
-= nav =-
#13
Re: AP success in Detroit - finally
Hi all!
Ok, went to Detroit on Friday to pick up my AP documents.
After trusting my failing memory a bit too much - taking the wrong exit off I-94 - I finally pulled into the CIS parking lot at 11.35. I went inside, got in the line that leads up to the first counter and waited the 20 minutes or so it took to advance to the front.
Once at the front, the lady behind the counter took my notice letter, dug around a bit in a bin next to her, and pulled out the paperwork. She had me sign the notice letter, explained the workings of the AP for me, and sent me on my way.
That was it!!!!!! Easy as pie, slick as meat loaf, smooth as mashed peas!!!
Eiolf
PS: Oh yeah, I received two documents, one with my picture on for me to keep, and another without a picture for the immigration at the POE (I guess?) The lady said I couls safely surrended my I-94W which is in my passport when I leave.
Ok, went to Detroit on Friday to pick up my AP documents.
After trusting my failing memory a bit too much - taking the wrong exit off I-94 - I finally pulled into the CIS parking lot at 11.35. I went inside, got in the line that leads up to the first counter and waited the 20 minutes or so it took to advance to the front.
Once at the front, the lady behind the counter took my notice letter, dug around a bit in a bin next to her, and pulled out the paperwork. She had me sign the notice letter, explained the workings of the AP for me, and sent me on my way.
That was it!!!!!! Easy as pie, slick as meat loaf, smooth as mashed peas!!!
Eiolf
PS: Oh yeah, I received two documents, one with my picture on for me to keep, and another without a picture for the immigration at the POE (I guess?) The lady said I couls safely surrended my I-94W which is in my passport when I leave.
#14
Re: AP success in Detroit - finally
Originally posted by esandstr
Hello all,
3 months and 2 days after I sent the I-131 application to the Detroit CIS office, I finally received a letter in the mail telling me to come pick it up within 30 days.
I've probably been worrying waaaaay to much about this, but an x-mas trip to Norway has been riding on this Advance Parole, not to mention a couple of thousands of dollars spent on tickets...
Here's the process (so far - I'm heading out to Detroit next week to get the paperwork)
8.12: Mailed all paperwork + money order
9.31: Received notice of receipt, plus statement saying "this will take 5 months, don't bother calling us until then..."
10.06: Posted questions to BE, worrying, worrying...
10.10: Sent emails to two Michigan senators, asking for help in ascertaining the status of my application
10.17: Got 1st answer from Sen. Levin, saying that they would try to help
10.27: After 3 weeks of trying, calling and waiting, finally got the CIS AP Clerk to verify that my application was "on the officer's desk" and should be done "very shortly"
10.28: Got 2nd letter from Sen. Levin, saying this shouldn't take more than 90 days and that they were almost done
11.14: Notice of completed processing received in mail
11.14: Got 1st letter from the other Senator, saying they'd see what they could find out... :-)
So, off I go to Detroit next week, and off we all go on December 19th to visit family and friends in Scandihoovia!
Best,
Eiolf
PS: I have the correct number + extension for the AP clerk (Sarina Sandusky) if anyone wants it. She turned out to be very nice and tried her best to be helpful.
Hello all,
3 months and 2 days after I sent the I-131 application to the Detroit CIS office, I finally received a letter in the mail telling me to come pick it up within 30 days.
I've probably been worrying waaaaay to much about this, but an x-mas trip to Norway has been riding on this Advance Parole, not to mention a couple of thousands of dollars spent on tickets...
Here's the process (so far - I'm heading out to Detroit next week to get the paperwork)
8.12: Mailed all paperwork + money order
9.31: Received notice of receipt, plus statement saying "this will take 5 months, don't bother calling us until then..."
10.06: Posted questions to BE, worrying, worrying...
10.10: Sent emails to two Michigan senators, asking for help in ascertaining the status of my application
10.17: Got 1st answer from Sen. Levin, saying that they would try to help
10.27: After 3 weeks of trying, calling and waiting, finally got the CIS AP Clerk to verify that my application was "on the officer's desk" and should be done "very shortly"
10.28: Got 2nd letter from Sen. Levin, saying this shouldn't take more than 90 days and that they were almost done
11.14: Notice of completed processing received in mail
11.14: Got 1st letter from the other Senator, saying they'd see what they could find out... :-)
So, off I go to Detroit next week, and off we all go on December 19th to visit family and friends in Scandihoovia!
Best,
Eiolf
PS: I have the correct number + extension for the AP clerk (Sarina Sandusky) if anyone wants it. She turned out to be very nice and tried her best to be helpful.
Congrats Eiolf!!!!
#15
Re: AP success in Detroit - finally
Originally posted by esandstr
Hello all,
3 months and 2 days after I sent the I-131 application to the Detroit CIS office, I finally received a letter in the mail telling me to come pick it up within 30 days.
I've probably been worrying waaaaay to much about this, but an x-mas trip to Norway has been riding on this Advance Parole, not to mention a couple of thousands of dollars spent on tickets...
Here's the process (so far - I'm heading out to Detroit next week to get the paperwork)
8.12: Mailed all paperwork + money order
9.31: Received notice of receipt, plus statement saying "this will take 5 months, don't bother calling us until then..."
10.06: Posted questions to BE, worrying, worrying...
10.10: Sent emails to two Michigan senators, asking for help in ascertaining the status of my application
10.17: Got 1st answer from Sen. Levin, saying that they would try to help
10.27: After 3 weeks of trying, calling and waiting, finally got the CIS AP Clerk to verify that my application was "on the officer's desk" and should be done "very shortly"
10.28: Got 2nd letter from Sen. Levin, saying this shouldn't take more than 90 days and that they were almost done
11.14: Notice of completed processing received in mail
11.14: Got 1st letter from the other Senator, saying they'd see what they could find out... :-)
So, off I go to Detroit next week, and off we all go on December 19th to visit family and friends in Scandihoovia!
Best,
Eiolf
PS: I have the correct number + extension for the AP clerk (Sarina Sandusky) if anyone wants it. She turned out to be very nice and tried her best to be helpful.
Hello all,
3 months and 2 days after I sent the I-131 application to the Detroit CIS office, I finally received a letter in the mail telling me to come pick it up within 30 days.
I've probably been worrying waaaaay to much about this, but an x-mas trip to Norway has been riding on this Advance Parole, not to mention a couple of thousands of dollars spent on tickets...
Here's the process (so far - I'm heading out to Detroit next week to get the paperwork)
8.12: Mailed all paperwork + money order
9.31: Received notice of receipt, plus statement saying "this will take 5 months, don't bother calling us until then..."
10.06: Posted questions to BE, worrying, worrying...
10.10: Sent emails to two Michigan senators, asking for help in ascertaining the status of my application
10.17: Got 1st answer from Sen. Levin, saying that they would try to help
10.27: After 3 weeks of trying, calling and waiting, finally got the CIS AP Clerk to verify that my application was "on the officer's desk" and should be done "very shortly"
10.28: Got 2nd letter from Sen. Levin, saying this shouldn't take more than 90 days and that they were almost done
11.14: Notice of completed processing received in mail
11.14: Got 1st letter from the other Senator, saying they'd see what they could find out... :-)
So, off I go to Detroit next week, and off we all go on December 19th to visit family and friends in Scandihoovia!
Best,
Eiolf
PS: I have the correct number + extension for the AP clerk (Sarina Sandusky) if anyone wants it. She turned out to be very nice and tried her best to be helpful.
CONGRATULATIONS !!!