VSC Processing

[waitingforwifey 0]

Hi All,

I spoke to an immigration officer named Agee yesterday using the RFE trick. Here are the questions I asked and responses I received:

1] What is the expected processing times for I-130 petitions at VSC?

Answer: 9-10 months minimum.

2] Does VSC still follow the FIFO procedure when it comes to adjudicating the petitions? If so, then how come petitions filed after me have already been adjudicated?

Answer: Every case is different. Some cases are worked upon quicker due to expedite request. I cannot say why some non-expedited cases which have been filed after your case are already adjudicated. There are several factors involved ranging from beneficiarie's country, petitioner's origin, accuracy and completeness of documents submitted, time taken to perform background and name checks. For certain individuals verification of these things can take short time for others a bit longer. It just depends on a lot of things.....

3] Why is it that VSC is showing July 30, 2007 date for I-130 petition for the past 5 months?

Answer: VSC received a directive from Washington DC to give priority to the N-400 citizenship applications. Plus the I-129 non-immigrant worker petitions (H-1B visas) will ALWAYS take priority over spouse visa petitions.

4] If N-400 and I-129 (H-1B visas) are given priority then when can I expect my case to be worked on?

Answer: I cannot really say but USCIS has hired several new immigration officers who are currently being trained on I-130 petitions. Processing may become quicker over the next couple of months.

5] But since my I-130 was filed in Feb 2008 and I-129F in Mar 2008, can you give me a REALISTIC estimate of when my petitions will be processed?

Answer: Since VSC is processing I-129F from Dec 2007, your I-129F petition MAY be assigned to an officer by end of September 2008 or first half of October. By that time, no matter what the processing date is shown for I-130, the I-130 will be pulled out and processed concurrently with the I-129F.

[daboyz 36]

Hi All,

I spoke to an immigration officer named Agee yesterday using the RFE trick. Here are the questions I asked and responses I received:

1] What is the expected processing times for I-130 petitions at VSC?

Answer: 9-10 months minimum.

2] Does VSC still follow the FIFO procedure when it comes to adjudicating the petitions? If so, then how come petitions filed after me have already been adjudicated?

Answer: Every case is different. Some cases are worked upon quicker due to expedite request. I cannot say why some non-expedited cases which have been filed after your case are already adjudicated. There are several factors involved ranging from beneficiarie's country, petitioner's origin, accuracy and completeness of documents submitted, time taken to perform background and name checks. For certain individuals verification of these things can take short time for others a bit longer. It just depends on a lot of things.....

3] Why is it that VSC is showing July 30, 2007 date for I-130 petition for the past 5 months?

Answer: VSC received a directive from Washington DC to give priority to the N-400 citizenship applications. Plus the I-129 non-immigrant worker petitions (H-1B visas) will ALWAYS take priority over spouse visa petitions.

4] If N-400 and I-129 (H-1B visas) are given priority then when can I expect my case to be worked on?

Answer: I cannot really say but USCIS has hired several new immigration officers who are currently being trained on I-130 petitions. Processing may become quicker over the next couple of months.

5] But since my I-130 was filed in Feb 2008 and I-129F in Mar 2008, can you give me a REALISTIC estimate of when my petitions will be processed?

Answer: Since VSC is processing I-129F from Dec 2007, your I-129F petition MAY be assigned to an officer by end of September 2008 or first half of October. By that time, no matter what the processing date is shown for I-130, the I-130 will be pulled out and processed concurrently with the I-129F.

Thanks for that information. I wasn't planning on making an extra trip to go back and see the wife before the visa was approved, but looks like if I want to see her any time soon, I should probably do that.

I have some personal feelings about processing H1-B visas before family petitions. I wont air them out here.

[000 0]

Hi All,

I spoke to an immigration officer named Agee yesterday using the RFE trick. Here are the questions I asked and responses I received:

1] What is the expected processing times for I-130 petitions at VSC?

Answer: 9-10 months minimum.

2] Does VSC still follow the FIFO procedure when it comes to adjudicating the petitions? If so, then how come petitions filed after me have already been adjudicated?

Answer: Every case is different. Some cases are worked upon quicker due to expedite request. I cannot say why some non-expedited cases which have been filed after your case are already adjudicated. There are several factors involved ranging from beneficiarie's country, petitioner's origin, accuracy and completeness of documents submitted, time taken to perform background and name checks. For certain individuals verification of these things can take short time for others a bit longer. It just depends on a lot of things.....

3] Why is it that VSC is showing July 30, 2007 date for I-130 petition for the past 5 months?

Answer: VSC received a directive from Washington DC to give priority to the N-400 citizenship applications. Plus the I-129 non-immigrant worker petitions (H-1B visas) will ALWAYS take priority over spouse visa petitions.

4] If N-400 and I-129 (H-1B visas) are given priority then when can I expect my case to be worked on?

Answer: I cannot really say but USCIS has hired several new immigration officers who are currently being trained on I-130 petitions. Processing may become quicker over the next couple of months.

5] But since my I-130 was filed in Feb 2008 and I-129F in Mar 2008, can you give me a REALISTIC estimate of when my petitions will be processed?

Answer: Since VSC is processing I-129F from Dec 2007, your I-129F petition MAY be assigned to an officer by end of September 2008 or first half of October. By that time, no matter what the processing date is shown for I-130, the I-130 will be pulled out and processed concurrently with the I-129F.

Well this is the second time (to my knowledge) that the N-400 has been mentioned to now being processed at VSC, it seems that when they shifted resources they lowered the priority of family based petitions again. I suppose getting votes is more important than the people who have been voting for years. Im done with VSC but stuff like this still bothers me because if it wasnt for something awful happening to my wife i would have never got an expedite (which is still laughable because i got my expedite after 6 months of already waiting) and I would still be waiting for VSC. The government in which we live really cares nothig for its peoples emotional distress, even though those distressed have been voting for years they really dont care about those votes anymore i guess.

[Tofusensei 0]

1] What is the expected processing times for I-130 petitions at VSC?

Answer: 9-10 months minimum.

5] But since my I-130 was filed in Feb 2008 and I-129F in Mar 2008, can you give me a REALISTIC estimate of when my petitions will be processed?

Answer: Since VSC is processing I-129F from Dec 2007, your I-129F petition MAY be assigned to an officer by end of September 2008 or first half of October. By that time, no matter what the processing date is shown for I-130, the I-130 will be pulled out and processed concurrently with the I-129F.

First off, thanks for the great info. I tried the RFE trick and did not get anything nearly as informative as this.

They say 9-10 months minimum but then say it will be processed in September or October if you filed in February? Sounds like bad math to me.

-Tofu

[Dr. Nick 0]

Yes, the family based petitions are at the bottom of USCIS priorities, especially so at the VSC, and we can see (and feel) the results. Our government doesn't think our families are important, and doesn't care about our plight either. I don't think any government in the EU would be able to get away with it....but for some reason they do get away with it here in the US. Waiting 9-10 months for something that EU countries complete within 30 days is unacceptable. Our voices are not being heard, everybody talks about naturalization delays, 10+ millions illegal immigrants, but nobody mentions families of USC's. Even USCIS director said that our delays are due to the visa caps, which is not applicable in case of spouses of USC's, that's how much they know and care. Even when I'm out of this mess, I will never think these terribly long processing times are acceptable, THEY ARE NOT if we live (and want to live) in a civilized country.

[HighwayStar 0]

Yes, the family based petitions are at the bottom of USCIS priorities, especially so at the VSC, and we can see (and feel) the results. Our government doesn't think our families are important, and doesn't care about our plight either. I don't think any government in the EU would be able to get away with it....but for some reason they do get away with it here in the US. Waiting 9-10 months for something that EU countries complete within 30 days is unacceptable. Our voices are not being heard, everybody talks about naturalization delays, 10+ millions illegal immigrants, but nobody mentions families of USC's. Even USCIS director said that our delays are due to the visa caps, which is not applicable in case of spouses of USC's, that's how much they know and care. Even when I'm out of this mess, I will never think these terribly long processing times are acceptable, THEY ARE NOT if we live (and want to live) in a civilized country.

Though I am waiting for a K1 Visa, when I saw the thread title I thought I'd bring in my experience as a citizen of a EU country. In Italy, keeping a legally married couple separated for months would be against the Constitution, which mentions families as the basic unit of society. Anything of the sort would also bring the wrath of the Catholic Church over any government - I am not a fan of the CC by any means, but I have to admit that sometimes its presence on our territory can be useful. Of course, it has happened time and again that immigrant couples have been separated, but nowadays it cannot happen if one of the parties involved is an Italian citizen.

[khaleda 0]

Just spoke with a very nice officer at VSC. Usually officers that I had spoken in the past gave me attitude and didn't answer and of my questions, however, she's an exception.

She had indicated that most officers are working on the business application and only 1 or 2 officers are working on the I130 and I129F. She said when business application dies down, then more officers will start working on our applications. She doesn't know when that will happen.

She also mentioned looking my case that my applications had been consolidated. They will admin cancel the I129F and process I130. however, I129F processing date thats listed on the USCIS website will be used. I am assuming most people who filed for k3 will go thru the same process.

I was also asking her why some applications that's been filed as late as May 08 with no Expedite Request have been approved. She said there may have been other reason for early process. I sort of protested and she then asked me where do I get these information. I told her thru a visa forum. She asked me to give her the website and I gave it to her!... So she might be checking the website out as we speak! Im not sure if her looking at our forum will help us, but atleast an officer from VSC is looking at our forum!

Anyways, hope this helps u guys in some way....

[rebeccajo 14]

Yes, the family based petitions are at the bottom of USCIS priorities, especially so at the VSC, and we can see (and feel) the results. Our government doesn't think our families are important, and doesn't care about our plight either. I don't think any government in the EU would be able to get away with it....but for some reason they do get away with it here in the US. Waiting 9-10 months for something that EU countries complete within 30 days is unacceptable. Our voices are not being heard, everybody talks about naturalization delays, 10+ millions illegal immigrants, but nobody mentions families of USC's. Even USCIS director said that our delays are due to the visa caps, which is not applicable in case of spouses of USC's, that's how much they know and care. Even when I'm out of this mess, I will never think these terribly long processing times are acceptable, THEY ARE NOT if we live (and want to live) in a civilized country.

Though I am waiting for a K1 Visa, when I saw the thread title I thought I'd bring in my experience as a citizen of a EU country. In Italy, keeping a legally married couple separated for months would be against the Constitution, which mentions families as the basic unit of society. Anything of the sort would also bring the wrath of the Catholic Church over any government - I am not a fan of the CC by any means, but I have to admit that sometimes its presence on our territory can be useful. Of course, it has happened time and again that immigrant couples have been separated, but nowadays it cannot happen if one of the parties involved is an Italian citizen.

Sounds like it might be better for you to live in Italy then.

As an American citizen, it gives me more than a little heartburn when any church involves itself in legislation.

Edited July 10, 2008 by rebeccajo

[rebeccajo 14]

Here's a link to a prior discussion about why Natz petitions are now getting priority.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...p;#entry1950334

[Steve Y Jessica 1]

Yes, the family based petitions are at the bottom of USCIS priorities, especially so at the VSC, and we can see (and feel) the results. Our government doesn't think our families are important, and doesn't care about our plight either. I don't think any government in the EU would be able to get away with it....but for some reason they do get away with it here in the US. Waiting 9-10 months for something that EU countries complete within 30 days is unacceptable. Our voices are not being heard, everybody talks about naturalization delays, 10+ millions illegal immigrants, but nobody mentions families of USC's. Even USCIS director said that our delays are due to the visa caps, which is not applicable in case of spouses of USC's, that's how much they know and care. Even when I'm out of this mess, I will never think these terribly long processing times are acceptable, THEY ARE NOT if we live (and want to live) in a civilized country.

Though I am waiting for a K1 Visa, when I saw the thread title I thought I'd bring in my experience as a citizen of a EU country. In Italy, keeping a legally married couple separated for months would be against the Constitution, which mentions families as the basic unit of society. Anything of the sort would also bring the wrath of the Catholic Church over any government - I am not a fan of the CC by any means, but I have to admit that sometimes its presence on our territory can be useful. Of course, it has happened time and again that immigrant couples have been separated, but nowadays it cannot happen if one of the parties involved is an Italian citizen.

First of all, I would like to say that I completely agree that this system is completely messed up. If they need more people to process petitions, then they should hire them.

But in comparison to EU countries processing family visas in 30 days. I would be interested to see a comparison in the number of family visas between the US and EU. I have a feeling that there is a VERY huge difference.

I don't think that it is a fair comparison.

[rebeccajo 14]

Yes, the family based petitions are at the bottom of USCIS priorities, especially so at the VSC, and we can see (and feel) the results. Our government doesn't think our families are important, and doesn't care about our plight either. I don't think any government in the EU would be able to get away with it....but for some reason they do get away with it here in the US. Waiting 9-10 months for something that EU countries complete within 30 days is unacceptable. Our voices are not being heard, everybody talks about naturalization delays, 10+ millions illegal immigrants, but nobody mentions families of USC's. Even USCIS director said that our delays are due to the visa caps, which is not applicable in case of spouses of USC's, that's how much they know and care. Even when I'm out of this mess, I will never think these terribly long processing times are acceptable, THEY ARE NOT if we live (and want to live) in a civilized country.

Though I am waiting for a K1 Visa, when I saw the thread title I thought I'd bring in my experience as a citizen of a EU country. In Italy, keeping a legally married couple separated for months would be against the Constitution, which mentions families as the basic unit of society. Anything of the sort would also bring the wrath of the Catholic Church over any government - I am not a fan of the CC by any means, but I have to admit that sometimes its presence on our territory can be useful. Of course, it has happened time and again that immigrant couples have been separated, but nowadays it cannot happen if one of the parties involved is an Italian citizen.

First of all, I would like to say that I completely agree that this system is completely messed up. If they need more people to process petitions, then they should hire them.

But in comparison to EU countries processing family visas in 30 days. I would be interested to see a comparison in the number of family visas between the US and EU. I have a feeling that there is a VERY huge difference.

I don't think that it is a fair comparison.

You're catching on.

[Steve Y Jessica 1]

I will see if I can find numbers, But last year a friend of my wife was getting a visa to travel to Germany. So she went with her to the embassy. They were the only two people there. But whenever you go to the US embassy, it is always packed.

[daboyz 36]

Yes, the family based petitions are at the bottom of USCIS priorities, especially so at the VSC, and we can see (and feel) the results. Our government doesn't think our families are important, and doesn't care about our plight either. I don't think any government in the EU would be able to get away with it....but for some reason they do get away with it here in the US. Waiting 9-10 months for something that EU countries complete within 30 days is unacceptable. Our voices are not being heard, everybody talks about naturalization delays, 10+ millions illegal immigrants, but nobody mentions families of USC's. Even USCIS director said that our delays are due to the visa caps, which is not applicable in case of spouses of USC's, that's how much they know and care. Even when I'm out of this mess, I will never think these terribly long processing times are acceptable, THEY ARE NOT if we live (and want to live) in a civilized country.

Though I am waiting for a K1 Visa, when I saw the thread title I thought I'd bring in my experience as a citizen of a EU country. In Italy, keeping a legally married couple separated for months would be against the Constitution, which mentions families as the basic unit of society. Anything of the sort would also bring the wrath of the Catholic Church over any government - I am not a fan of the CC by any means, but I have to admit that sometimes its presence on our territory can be useful. Of course, it has happened time and again that immigrant couples have been separated, but nowadays it cannot happen if one of the parties involved is an Italian citizen.

Sounds like it might be better for you to live in Italy then.

As an American citizen, it gives me more than a little heartburn when any church involves itself in legislation.

Good point. I love it whenever someone has something critical to say about the US. The default response is always "Well then why dont you go live in (insert socialist country here.)" Forget the fact fact maybe something can be learned from that other country. Congress should just do away with the first amendment. It is very annoying.

[Todd-Leah 0]

[quote name='HighwayStar' post='2003259'

First of all, I would like to say that I completely agree that this system is completely messed up. If they need more people to process petitions, then they should hire them.

But in comparison to EU countries processing family visas in 30 days. I would be interested to see a comparison in the number of family visas between the US and EU. I have a feeling that there is a VERY huge difference.

I don't think that it is a fair comparison.

You're catching on.

I do not know about EU. But, when my friend was able to get a visa and move to join her husband in Australia within 2-3 weeks, and I found myself in a situation that I have to explain to everyone "why I am still here not there yet". I did some digging and found some statistics on Australian immigration.

I do not how fast the other type of immigration cases get processed. I know for a fact that family based and employment based (H1B equivalent type) visas get processed within 2-3 months for Australia. Spouse and immediate family get processed faster and also have the option of applying within Australia. And they do not differentiate citizen and LPR on the priority of processing.

US has populations 15 times of Australia. US(304 millions) AUS(21 millions)

USCIS processes over 1.2 millions permanent residency applications in 2006, about 2/3 (abt 800k) are cases of status adjustment and the other 1/3 (abt 400k) are new arrivals. Australia has abt 150k of new arrivals who receive permanent residencies in 2006.

US- Permanent residency for spouses (300k+)

AUS- Permanent residency for partners(married or not) (30k+)

Interestingly, they are more Malaysians who received Australia permanent residencies (2899 in 2006) compare to US permanent residencies(2281 in 2006).

The Australian has a similar 2 part petition and application process and the documents required look quite similar too. But the whole process can be done at the oversea processing centers i.e the consulates and I think the files do not move physically. May be that's one of the reasons they are able to churn out visas a lot faster?

Family are united a lot faster but they are probably concern about abuse and frauds too. If I am not mistaken spouses are given a conditional PR and the immigration department do follow up visits and interviews to weed out frauds.

My source of this statistical data:

http://www.dhs.gov/ximgtn/statistics/publi...s/yearbook.shtm

http://www.immi.gov.au/media/statistics/st...o/oad/index.htm

[daboyz 36]

"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Note:

Please fill out I-130, wait 6 months for approval, then 3 more months for an interview. (Unless of course we've bombed your country into the stone age, then you qualify for expedited processing.)

Welcome to the USA!!!