Unopened I-485s in Texas Service Center ("TSC") Mailroom
Posted Nov 20, 1999

TSC announced on November 9, 1999 that I-485 packages received on or about September 8, 1999, and thereafter have not yet been opened. While TSC is working to correct the problem, please note that the time a package is sitting in the mailroom is not included in the processing time for the case. For example, if an I-765 (application for employment authorization card) is filed with the I-485, the approximately 90 day I-765 processing time would begin only from the time the package is actually opened. Other Service Centers have agreed that their delays in opening or sorting their mail or issuing receipt notices will not change the processing time for the employment card or the advance parole which have to be given top priority.

Earlier, the Nebraska Service Center ("NSC") had reported similar delays in its mailroom. The California Service Center has been assisting the NSC with data entry of cases in an attempt to reduce the delay in issuance of receipt notices.