VSC Problem with Printed Notices May Be Fixed
Posted Apr 02, 2004

The Vermont Service Center (VSC) reports that, from March 2 to March 4, 2004, it used old security paper that does not hold laser printing effectively and, therefore, rubs off. Although it may seem that a problem of only two days would not affect many people, in fact approximately 6,000 I-797 Receipt and Approval Notices were issued during that time! Those who have Approval Notices that are illegible may request that their attorneys contact the VSC by facsimile to obtain a duplicate notice on an expedited basis. This procedure is for Approval Notices only - not receipt notices. The VSC has advised that they will not reissue receipt notices.

If the receipt number is illegible on the receipt notice, MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers should look at the stamp on the back of any filing fee checks sent to USCIS. These stamps normally have the receipt number for the case. This information will need to be noted on the facsimile request if the receipt number is not legible on the approval notice.

This incident occurred because VSC ran out of security paper. The paper that they used from storage has a 1993 revision date in the bottom, left-hand corner.