HOUSTON FIELD OFFICE AILA/CBO INQUIRY PROCESS
Effective April 6, 2017
This document provides a specific process by which AILA members and BIA-Accredited
Representatives (AILA/CBO) may inquire about cases pending with the Houston Field Office
(HFO). The inquiry process is designed to provide clear submission and format guidelines.
How an inquiry should be submitted:
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All AILA/CBO initial inquiries should be submitted via email to:
[email protected].
The subject line should only contain “Emergency” if the situation truly warrants that
designation, i.e., an imminent loss of a PERMANENT benefit or a situation which MUST
be resolved within a ten (10) day or less timeframe.
Please do not put any identifying information in the subject line, e.g., A-Number, Name,
Receipt Number, etc.
A PDF scan of the G-28 should be attached.
The inquiry should contain the following information about the applicant:
Name
Date of Birth
Country of Birth
A Number
Receipt Numbers
Application Type
Fee Receipt Date
Current Address
If applicant is in removal proceedings, the next court date.
The inquiry should also contain the representative’s name, email address, and
telephone number.
Your request or comments.
Examples of appropriate inquiries:
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An inquiry is appropriate when the applicant’s case has not had the next action taken
and it is outside the HFO’s communicated processing time.
To request rescheduling of an interview or ceremony.
To request consolidation of interviews or ceremonies for a family.
To request a ceremony be scheduled when 120 days have passed since the date of the
N-400 approval notice.
To inquire on a case when 120 days have passed since the answer to a Request for
Evidence/I-72/N-14 was submitted.
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To inquire on a case that was filed at HFO, you have not received a receipt AND your
check has not been cashed. If your check has been cashed, please use the cancelled
check as evidence of filing.
Examples of inappropriate inquiries:
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To inquire on an I-90 or I-765 before 90 days have passed after the initial approval or
filing of the form and your client has not received his or her Resident Card or
Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
To inquire on an N-400/I-485 before the initial interview has been scheduled. Any
inquiry on an N-400 or I-485 related to receipts, initial biometrics or other action taken
prior to initial scheduling for interview should be directed to the National Benefits
Center (NBC).
To use the inquiry system to verify the receipt of a document.
To obtain information that is included in the A-file. The AILA/CBO inquiry process is not
meant to circumvent the FOIA process.
To file a Motion to Reopen or request a Service Motion to Reopen. Please follow the
guidance on USCIS.gov for filing a Motion to Reopen with fee. All requests for a Service
Motion to Reopen without fee must be submitted in writing to the attention of the Field
Office Director by mail for the record.
To withdraw an application.
To withdraw your G-28 Notice of Appearance.
To submit your initial G-28 Notice of Appearance.
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