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Immigration
Many constituents contact Representative Lowey’s office for assistance with immigration-related questions or cases. We are happy to help; however, please note that we cannot expedite cases due to the additional security and administrative clearances currently in place at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), formerly known as the Immigration and Naturalization Services.
Below is helpful information on many aspects of the immigration process. If you need further assistance after reviewing this information, you may contact Representative Lowey’s office. You should also be sure to send a privacy release form which can be downloaded here along with copies of any relevant paperwork.
Representative Nita Lowey's Office
ATTN: Constituent Services
222 Mamaroneck Ave., Suite 310
White Plains, NY 10605
Phone: 914-428-1707 or 845-639-3485
Fax: 914-328-1505
General Immigration
Where can I get answers to basic questions about immigration applications?
U.S. Customs and Immigration Services provides on its website answers to questions about who is eligible to file, where to file, what to file, and how to file at http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis.
Additionally, you can download immigration forms and find information about filing fees here.
Citizenship (N-400)
What if I have not heard from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services after submitting my application months ago?
If you have already submitted a citizenship application (N400) to USCIS, and you have not heard from USCIS, you can contact Congresswoman Lowey's office to find out the status of your application. The citizenship application process may take from 8 to 14 months. Additional delays may occur due to the lengthy processing time required for the completion of fingerprint security checks.
Write to Representative Lowey at the address above about your situation and include your full name, address, home and daytime phone numbers, Alien Registration number and date of birth. In addition, please include a copy of a cancelled check, money order, or Immigration Receipt which shows payment of the N-400.
Permanent Residency (I-485) (Green Card)
I applied for permanent residency months ago. My check for the application fee has been cashed already but I still have not received a response.
USCIS provides processing dates for applications based on the date your application was filed. To obtain processing dates, visit https://egov.immigration.gov/cris/jsps/index.jsp.
Representative Lowey's office may be able to help constituents who have submitted Adjustment of Status applications (I-485) whose date of filing has, according to the website above, already been processed. In order to check on the status of your application, please write to Representative Lowey at the address above stating your problem, and include your full name, address, home and daytime phone numbers, date of birth, and Alien Registration number if available. In addition, please include a copy of the cancelled check or money order, a fee receipt, and/or the Notice of Action received, which states the date the application was received and the priority date.
My Permanent Residency Card (Green Card) is about to expire. How and when should I renew it?
Permanent Residency cards may be renewed by filing form I-90. Approval of these applications is a lengthy process, so it is important to submit an application at least 6 months before the current card expires. This application is available here.
Employment Authorization Cards (I-765)
I am in urgent need of my Employment Authorization Card. I applied two months ago and have not heard back from US Citizenship and Immigration Services. Can you help me?
Processing of work authorization permits, Form I-765, takes at least 90 days (3 months) from the date received. If you are an applicant who has been waiting more than 90 days, you may schedule an appointment through INFOPASS to visit the USCIS District office at 26 Federal Plaza in New York City. INFOPASS scheduling is available at http://infopass.uscis.gov.
After you schedule an appointment, you must appear at USCIS with a copy of your appointment letter, your valid passport, and the dated I-765 and biometrics/fingerprints receipts showing that you have been waiting for more than 90 days for your work authorization. At that time, USCIS staff will process your application in person.
After you schedule an appointment, you must appear at USCIS with a copy of your appointment letter, your valid passport, and the dated I-765 and biometrics/fingerprints receipts showing that you have been waiting for more than 90 days for your work authorization. At that time, USCIS staff will process your application in person.
If you have trouble using the INFOPASS system or you are not granted your employment authorization card when you visit USCIS, you may contact Representative Lowey's office at the address and phone number above so that we may try to assist you. Please include your full name, address, home and daytime phone numbers, date of birth, copy of the I-765 if available, and the date the I-765 was originally submitted. Please note that we cannot expedite employment authorization applications; Representative Lowey's office can provide assistance only after the 90-day waiting period.
My Employment Authorization Card is about to expire. How and when should I renew it?
In order to renew an Employment Authorization Card, you must file an I-765 application form. Because it currently takes 90 days to renew Employment Authorization Cards, it is imperative to allow for such time when reapplying for a new card. This application is available at the USCIS website - www.uscis.gov – under “Immigration Forms.”
Alien Labor Petitions
My employer petitioned for me a couple of years ago, and I have yet to hear anything from Immigration. My lawyer tells me that this process takes a long time. How much longer will I have to wait?
Alien labor certification petitions take several years to process. The labor petition is usually a three-step process that involves the NYS Department of Labor, the U.S. Department of Labor, and then USCIS. While it takes a considerable amount of time to process these types of applications, Representative Lowey’s office may be able to check the status of your case.
If would like assistance in checking the status of your case, please write to Representative Lowey at the address above and include your full name, address, home and daytime phone numbers, full name and address of the employer, the application or case number, and the work position for which you are applying. While we cannot obtain specific information about your case, we can find out the status of the application and the department currently considering it.
I have been asked to appear at the USCIS District Office in person, but the USCIS guards do not let me in because I must schedule an appointment. How do I get one?
To schedule an appointment with a USCIS Officer, you must access the Internet-based scheduling system called INFOPASS. You may access INFOPASS by visiting the following web address: http://infopass.uscis.gov. Carefully follow the instructions provided to schedule an appointment. Do not forget to print a receipt for your records.
To schedule an appointment with a USCIS Officer, you must access the Internet-based scheduling system called INFOPASS. You may access INFOPASS by visiting the following web address: http://infopass.uscis.gov. Carefully follow the instructions provided to schedule an appointment. Do not forget to print a receipt for your records.
If you have trouble using the INFOPASS system or accessing the Internet, please contact Representative Lowey's office for help at the address above.
It is important to keep your address current and inform USCIS if it changes. You must update your address by submitting Form AR-11, which is available at www.uscis.gov under “Immigration Forms.” If you already submitted an address change to USCIS but are not sure if the agency made these changes, you may contact the Congresswoman's office to confirm whether the address change took place.
It is advisable to retain copies of all forms and correspondence you have with USCIS pertaining to your immigration case, including certified mail or other postal receipts for any forms you have mailed to USCIS, in the event that forms are lost or misplaced.
For additional questions and tips, you can refer to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website at www.uscis.gov. You can also call the USCIS National Customer Service Line at 1-800-375-5283.
If you have additional questions or concerns about immigration matters, you may call Representative Lowey's office at (914) 428-1707 or (845) 639-3485 to request assistance from one of her Immigration Specialists.