Legal Question in Immigration Law in California

Fingerprinting for green card

I have a pending i-485 (EB4), I already received the EAC and I'm expecting the Green Card in fall. I'm planning on spending the entire summer in a different state, but I'm worried about my fingerprinting appointment and the interview. I heard that many times the letter comes only a few days before the appointment date.

My questions are:

- Do I need an attorney for the interview?

- Is the appointment more likely to be in the beginning of the waiting period, or toward the end?

- Can I reschedule the appoitment, and will that delay the process?

- Is there any way I can reschedule the appointment in a different state (FL) and what are the implications.

Thank you.


Asked on 5/24/06, 9:49 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Yano Rubinstein Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP

Re: Fingerprinting for green card

It is advisable to have an attorney prepare you for the adjustment of status interview and attend with you. The interview appointment is usually at the end of the waiting period and the fingerprint notice issuance varies from case to case, but is usually at least a month or two before the interview. If an attorney represents you and files a form G-28 with the USCIS documenting the representation, the USCIS must send the attorney a copy of any notice, and the attorney can then notify you or request to reschedule if you cannot make it. I would advise against transfering a case at the end stages as that can cause long delays and confusion within the USCIS. I think it is best to keep the case where it is and have a local attorney involved that can notify you of case developments and prepare you for your interview. If you need further explanation, please feel free to call Attorney Cindy Scribe of Rubinstein Law Group at 415.277.1903

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Answered on 5/24/06, 10:15 pm
Larry L. Doan Law Office of Larry L. Doan

Re: Fingerprinting for green card

The appointment letter is coming usually about a month before the actual interview. But, you should have somebody take care of your mail anyway and alert you. The CIS will refuse to transfer your case to Florida because you're not a resident there, but only temporarily staying there, i.e. your domicile is still in the Los Angeles area (since your zip is 90241). As far as having an attorney, since it's an employment case, having one is advisable. A local L.A. attorney is best because they would be familiar with the downtown L.A. CIS office where the interview will be at.

Larry 'Liem' Doan, Esq.

Note: The above response should be considered legal information only and is not legal advice. Such advice can only be rendered after an attorney-client relationship has been expressly established with appropriate payment of valuable consideration. If follow-up advice is desired on a particular situation, a paid consultation can be arranged.

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Answered on 5/25/06, 2:00 am


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