Previously I lost my J1 waiver approval notice back to 2003. For 485 filing it's required to one.
I went to local INS officer and the guy checked in the system and told me my waiver was approved in ## mon ## date 2003. He said he does not have access to the copy and asked me to use G-639 form "Freedom of information Act/Privacy Act request" to request a copy of the notice. This form can be downloaded from USCIS.GOV forms. Fee is free.
I asked him for a case number, he gave it to me.
That's all I obtained.
I came back and did some research on this issue and found that some people use G-639, some use I-824 (fee $200). I-824 is the form to request a duplicate of any previous approval notice. But I heard it takes 1-2 years!
I also found that it may also take long time if applying through G639. This is quite an annoying issue.
I am going to call USCIS to see what they suggest.
Anyone has suggestion? Thank!!