Applied electronically for renewal on Jan 5, 2004 at VSC, with notice date Jan 6, 2004. Went to Newark, NJ on April 15, 2004. I got it without much hassle, except for the wait.
I went to Arlington, Virginia for a walk-in on Wednesday (April 14). As of the 7th, they dont take walkins on Wednesday afternoon. I was told to come back the next day at 7:30.
I cam back on 15 at 7 AM (there were already 100
people in front of me). They opened at 7:30 and we were directed a room in the secon floor. Waited in the room until 10.00 and was told that I would receive the EAD the same day. I waited some more in a different room and obtained my interim EAD little after noon.
I actually had a very easy time in Columbus. I went to the offices at 7:30 am on Tuesday 13th April and was directed to stand outside in the rain until 7:45. At 7:45 I went in and joined the surge to the elevators.
Once in the offices, I was checked by a security officer (who was very helpful), gave my receipts, completed I-765, and took a seat. I was called in about an hour later to be finger printed and photographed, and I went back to the waiting room. I left by 9:20am with my card.
I would like to provide my personal experience at the Columbus, Ohio office. It was a frustrating experience like any other government office experience.We went there at 7.45 AM. We submitted the application forms and the EAD renewal notices, which the security submitted inside to the USCIS (BCIS ) officers. We were walk-in applicants for interim EADs. It seems that the Columbus office prioritizes "all" the people who have prior appointments before the walk-ins. Therefore, our turn did not come until 12-12.30 PM.
First of all, Kudos for the excellent Service provided by you. I took all the feedback from your site & went to USCIS office in San Jose, CA to get an INTERIM EAD Today. Everything went well & I was given an Interim EAD for 10 Months..