Why the discrepancy between real life dates and "Processing Timeframes" on USCIS site?

[manty 0]

I'm new to this N-400 process, and I had a kinda dumb question. Looking at the threads entitled July 2008 filers, August 2008 filers etc., I'm seeing that plenty (if not all) applicants who sent in N-400s a few months ago are already getting interview dates.

But the USCIS field office processing timeframes listed on the USCIS site say that N-400 processing timeframes are dates like March, 2008, November 2007, etc.

Can anyone explain the discrepancy between the timeframes reported by USCIS and the real life timeframes?

Thanks!

[mnbinth 2]

I'm new to this N-400 process, and I had a kinda dumb question. Looking at the threads entitled July 2008 filers, August 2008 filers etc., I'm seeing that plenty (if not all) applicants who sent in N-400s a few months ago are already getting interview dates.

But the USCIS field office processing timeframes listed on the USCIS site say that N-400 processing timeframes are dates like March, 2008, November 2007, etc.

Can anyone explain the discrepancy between the timeframes reported by USCIS and the real life timeframes?

Thanks!

I'm no expert, but I'm guessing they do it to cover their own butt so people don't complain when it takes longer than what the processing time says.

[reeses16 8]

USCIS lists their oldest pending case. Just because there is someone from say May that hasn't responded to an RFE doesn't mean they stop going forward with other petitions. But the processing date would be listed as May, although they may be adjudicating some petitions that were filled in October.

[moonhunt 1]

I'm new to this N-400 process, and I had a kinda dumb question. Looking at the threads entitled July 2008 filers, August 2008 filers etc., I'm seeing that plenty (if not all) applicants who sent in N-400s a few months ago are already getting interview dates.

But the USCIS field office processing timeframes listed on the USCIS site say that N-400 processing timeframes are dates like March, 2008, November 2007, etc.

Can anyone explain the discrepancy between the timeframes reported by USCIS and the real life timeframes?

Thanks!

Processing time is varied from one case to other case.

Announced processing time by USCIS is average from N400 application to first interview date.

So actual processing time is different from announced version.

Also, I believe USCIS is attacking two different batches for N400 processing.

One is from the cases after March 2008 or something like that.

The other is for the cases before that time.

So if you look at recent cases, it will be much quicker.

But if you look at the filers from last year or early this year, you will see still some people waiting for interview and/or oath schedule.

Also it may be another consideration that USCIS did put much weight for N400 processing because of Presidential Election.

So some of us did get benefit from this year.

Edited December 3, 2008 by moonhunt