I-129F Security Checks

[Djwalker60 1]

Greetings to Everyone:

We'll we are at day 112 today, and since I myself or anyone at that will never really get a true answer as to the status of our cases at USCIS. I took it upon myself to email my local Congressman. So, they actually called USCIS CSC and this is what he told me:

I called the USCIS Service Center in California today. There was good news and bad news, to be honest.

First, though the expected timeline is five months, USCIS must be getting ahead of themselves because your petition had already gone to an Officer to be decided. However, your case has still not cleared the required background checks. It is not possible to approve an petition until the required background checks have cleared. I was told that you should not expect a decision for up to 90 days.

I know this is not good news and I regret that your case may be delayed, but if it helps you to understand the process, I have attached a document that talks about the background/security check process.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Best regards,

Special Assistant

Congressman Jay Inslee

18560 1st Ave. NE, Suite E800

Shoreline, WA 98155-2150

206-361-0233 phone

206-361-3959 fax

www.house.gov/inslee

Has anyone seen or heard of these "security checks" at USCIS? Are they random, or does everyone go through these security checks? Just wondering because I have seen many get approved at the time frame we are at.. Just wanted to see if anyone has any thoughts on this matter. Can it really be 90 more days???

Dan

[Joe_&_Nadiya 1]

Hi Dan!

I am sorry to hear about your situation. You can do nothing with it.. just wait. We heard about this " security checks" in USCIS, but we were stuck at NVC, 2 months. It's " administrative processing". I think it's the same.. they check all your background or maybe your fiancee's. They never tell you. I know it's bad to wait more.. we have relived it.. And I hope you will be approved very soon.

Nadya.

[rsn 135]

Greetings to Everyone:

We'll we are at day 112 today, and since I myself or anyone at that will never really get a true answer as to the status of our cases at USCIS. I took it upon myself to email my local Congressman. So, they actually called USCIS CSC and this is what he told me:

I called the USCIS Service Center in California today. There was good news and bad news, to be honest.

First, though the expected timeline is five months, USCIS must be getting ahead of themselves because your petition had already gone to an Officer to be decided. However, your case has still not cleared the required background checks. It is not possible to approve an petition until the required background checks have cleared. I was told that you should not expect a decision for up to 90 days.

I know this is not good news and I regret that your case may be delayed, but if it helps you to understand the process, I have attached a document that talks about the background/security check process.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Best regards,

Special Assistant

Congressman Jay Inslee

18560 1st Ave. NE, Suite E800

Shoreline, WA 98155-2150

206-361-0233 phone

206-361-3959 fax

www.house.gov/inslee

Has anyone seen or heard of these "security checks" at USCIS? Are they random, or does everyone go through these security checks? Just wondering because I have seen many get approved at the time frame we are at.. Just wanted to see if anyone has any thoughts on this matter. Can it really be 90 more days???

Dan

I'm sorry I don't have experience on this so I probably can't be of any help, but could you post the document that discusses the security check process if it doesn't contain any personal information? It might be helpful to others in the same situation. I know I'm curious about how that works myself.

[Djwalker60 1]

I've attached the document that was sent to me about security checks.

Dan

[Kimbear 53]

he probably means the fbi background check on the petitioner. every application goes thru this at uscis. took me 142 days to get my approval becasue of that and my congressman told me fbi checks were backlogged as well. and that the check takes like a month.

if a mod could maybe see if the Captain can put this PDF up with the rest of the guides? i dont think i recall seeing this here and it does have some good info on it? if it's already there i apologize in advance

Edited August 10, 2009 by Kimbear

[Djwalker60 1]

he probably means the fbi background check on the petitioner. every application goes thru this at uscis. took me 142 days to get my approval becasue of that and my congressman told me fbi checks were backlogged as well. and that the check takes like a month.

if a mod could maybe see if the Captain can put this PDF up with the rest of the guides? i dont think i recall seeing this here and it does have some good info on it? if it's already there i apologize in advance

So,, Kimbear..... You have seen this before? meaning a total of 142 days from NOA1 - NOA2? But then why get done so quickly and some of us take longer..? boy this is frustrating...

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Greetings to Everyone:

We'll we are at day 112 today, and since I myself or anyone at that will never really get a true answer as to the status of our cases at USCIS. I took it upon myself to email my local Congressman. So, they actually called USCIS CSC and this is what he told me:

I called the USCIS Service Center in California today. There was good news and bad news, to be honest.

First, though the expected timeline is five months, USCIS must be getting ahead of themselves because your petition had already gone to an Officer to be decided. However, your case has still not cleared the required background checks. It is not possible to approve an petition until the required background checks have cleared. I was told that you should not expect a decision for up to 90 days.

I know this is not good news and I regret that your case may be delayed, but if it helps you to understand the process, I have attached a document that talks about the background/security check process.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Best regards,

Special Assistant

Congressman Jay Inslee

18560 1st Ave. NE, Suite E800

Shoreline, WA 98155-2150

206-361-0233 phone

206-361-3959 fax

www.house.gov/inslee

Has anyone seen or heard of these "security checks" at USCIS? Are they random, or does everyone go through these security checks? Just wondering because I have seen many get approved at the time frame we are at.. Just wanted to see if anyone has any thoughts on this matter. Can it really be 90 more days???

Dan

I am really excited about the government running our health care! Woooo Hooo! FREE medical!!!!!!!!

You are caught in the FBI manual name checks process, could be random, could be because you have the same name as a bad guy somewhere. The USCIS is doing their job efficiently as noted by your congressman's lackey. Sorry to say, you will just have to wait. One woudl assume 90 days would be an "outside" estimate. One would hope, anyway.

I wonder how long we will wait for MRIs and gall baldder surgery?

[Djwalker60 1]

Greetings to Everyone:

We'll we are at day 112 today, and since I myself or anyone at that will never really get a true answer as to the status of our cases at USCIS. I took it upon myself to email my local Congressman. So, they actually called USCIS CSC and this is what he told me:

I called the USCIS Service Center in California today. There was good news and bad news, to be honest.

First, though the expected timeline is five months, USCIS must be getting ahead of themselves because your petition had already gone to an Officer to be decided. However, your case has still not cleared the required background checks. It is not possible to approve an petition until the required background checks have cleared. I was told that you should not expect a decision for up to 90 days.

I know this is not good news and I regret that your case may be delayed, but if it helps you to understand the process, I have attached a document that talks about the background/security check process.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

Best regards,

Special Assistant

Congressman Jay Inslee

18560 1st Ave. NE, Suite E800

Shoreline, WA 98155-2150

206-361-0233 phone

206-361-3959 fax

www.house.gov/inslee

Has anyone seen or heard of these "security checks" at USCIS? Are they random, or does everyone go through these security checks? Just wondering because I have seen many get approved at the time frame we are at.. Just wanted to see if anyone has any thoughts on this matter. Can it really be 90 more days???

Dan

I am really excited about the government running our health care! Woooo Hooo! FREE medical!!!!!!!!

You are caught in the FBI manual name checks process, could be random, could be because you have the same name as a bad guy somewhere. The USCIS is doing their job efficiently as noted by your congressman's lackey. Sorry to say, you will just have to wait. One woudl assume 90 days would be an "outside" estimate. One would hope, anyway.

I wonder how long we will wait for MRIs and gall baldder surgery?

Oh yeah, case was "touched" again today.. Wonder why? Oh yeah... I see FREE Medical coming, if it is like USCIS... Don't get me started on this one either !!!

[Jauque 1]

I think every petition goes through these "background checks". I'm also sure that 90 days is just a number picked out of thin air to keep you off their backs. I suspect that if your petition is sitting open on someones desk you will hear something soon.

Good luck!

[Djwalker60 1]

I think every petition goes through these "background checks". I'm also sure that 90 days is just a number picked out of thin air to keep you off their backs. I suspect that if your petition is sitting open on someones desk you will hear something soon.

Good luck!

More Information on Security Checks, or as the FBI calls it the "NNCP" or National Name Check Program. Here is some information:

Name Check Database: Source of Data

The NNCP conducts manual and electronic searches of the FBI’s Central Records System (CRS) Universal Index (UNI). The CRS encompasses the centralized records of FBI Headquarters, field offices, and Legal Attache offices. The CRS contains all FBI investigative, administrative, personnel, and general files.

-Back to Top-

NNCP Process - Major Steps

The FBI NNCP conducts manual and electronic searches of the FBI’s Central Records System (CRS) and Universal Index (UNI) for all instances of applicant’s name and approximate date of birth in main case files or references. A main file name is that of an individual who is the subject of an FBI investigation whereas a reference is someone whose name appears in an FBI investigation.

1. Search Request

The agency/entity (UCSIS) submits a request to the FBI’s NNCP. Submissions are accepted via magnetic tape, hard copy, telephone, or fax.

2. Primary Search

The electronic (batch) submissions are searched against the UNI. The majority of the batch names are electronically returned as “no record” with 48-72 hours.

3. Secondary Search

A secondary “manual” search is done for names with possible reference or entries from the “hits” (possible matches) of the primary search.

4. Manual Review

The remaining paper files and/or electronic files are reviewed to ensure they are relevant to the name check request.

5. Disclosure of Search Results

Identifiable files ("Idents") are then analyzed for relevant or derogatory information that may be disseminated to the requesting agency/entity (USCIS). The NNCP forwards a summary of the information of the individual to the submitting agency/entity.

-Back to Top-

Explanation of Search Results

1. “No Record”

A “no record” indicates that the UNI database contains no identifiable information regarding a particular individual. By agreement with the Department of State, partially due to the concern about the time factors in approving visa requests, a "No Record" translates in to a "No Objection" to the issuance of a visa.

2. “Hit” (Possible Match)

If there is a match with a name in a FBI record, it is designated as a "Hit," meaning that the system has stopped on a possible match with the name being checked, but now a human being must review the file or index entry to further refine the names "Hit" upon.

3. "Ident" (Match)

If the search develops a name and birth date match of a “hit”, it is designated as an "Ident” which is then analyzed for relevant or derogatory information.

4. Further Investigation is Needed

Additional review is required for searches that were not immediately eliminated as a "No Record" due to a name and birth date not being enough to positively match the file with an individual. A secondary manual search is done to determine a “no record” or a possible “hit”. The electronic and/or paper FBI record for these is retrieved and reviewed. Which is then determined a “hit” or “no record”.

-Back to Top-

Name Check Processing Time

The majority of name checks submitted are electronically checked and returned to the submitting agency as having "No Record" within 48-72 hours. The processing time for FBI name checks usually take from 30-120 days but timing does vary from case to case. The FBI’s intention is to have all visa requests processed within 120 days. Most name check requests that are over 60 days old are the result of the time required to retrieve and review field office record information. Any case which is not processed within this time frame is usually delayed because of a potential "hit" (match) which will be further reviewed manually.

-Back to Top-

Major Name Check Requesting Agencies

The FBI’s NNCP Section provides services to more than 70 federal, state, and local governments and entities. Although most name checks are conducted for each agency on a first-in, first-out basis, the contributing agency determines the order of resolution for priority, project, or expedite cases.

1. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Submits name check requests on individuals applying for the following benefits: asylum, adjustment of status to legal permanent resident, naturalization, and waivers.

2. Office of Personnel Management

Submits name checks requests in order to determine an individual’s suitability and eligibility in seeking employment with the federal government.

3. Department of State

Submits FBI name check requests on individuals applying for visas.

Not all visa matters require FBI name checks.

-Back to Top-

Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (FOIPA) vs. Name Check

Freedom of Information and Privacy Acts (FOIPA) requests are sometimes confused with name check requests. FOIPA provides copies of FBI files relevant to a specific FOIPA request. For FOIPA, the FBI search uses the name or information as provided in the FOIPA request. A FOIPA search determines whether there is an investigative file associated with an individual—a “main file” search. For a name check, “main files” and “reference files” are both checked, in addition to searching a name in a multitude of combinations.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I think every petition goes through these "background checks". I'm also sure that 90 days is just a number picked out of thin air to keep you off their backs. I suspect that if your petition is sitting open on someones desk you will hear something soon.

Good luck!

More Information on Security Checks, or as the FBI calls it the "NNCP" or National Name Check Program. Here is some information:

Name Check Database: Source of Data

The NNCP conducts manual and electronic searches of the FBI’s Central Records System (CRS) Universal Index (UNI). The CRS encompasses the centralized records of FBI Headquarters, field offices, and Legal Attache offices. The CRS contains all FBI investigative, administrative, personnel, and general files.

-Back to Top-

NNCP Process - Major Steps

The FBI NNCP conducts manual and electronic searches of the FBI’s Central Records System (CRS) and Universal Index (UNI) for all instances of applicant’s name and approximate date of birth in main case files or references. A main file name is that of an individual who is the subject of an FBI investigation whereas a reference is someone whose name appears in an FBI investigation.

1. Search Request

The agency/entity (UCSIS) submits a request to the FBI’s NNCP. Submissions are accepted via magnetic tape, hard copy, telephone, or fax.

2. Primary Search

The electronic (batch) submissions are searched against the UNI. The majority of the batch names are electronically returned as “no record” with 48-72 hours.

3. Secondary Search

A secondary “manual” search is done for names with possible reference or entries from the “hits” (possible matches) of the primary search.

4. Manual Review

The remaining paper files and/or electronic files are reviewed to ensure they are relevant to the name check request.

5. Disclosure of Search Results

Identifiable files ("Idents") are then analyzed for relevant or derogatory information that may be disseminated to the requesting agency/entity (USCIS). The NNCP forwards a summary of the information of the individual to the submitting agency/entity.

-Back to Top-

Explanation of Search Results

1. “No Record”

A “no record” indicates that the UNI database contains no identifiable information regarding a particular individual. By agreement with the Department of State, partially due to the concern about the time factors in approving visa requests, a "No Record" translates in to a "No Objection" to the issuance of a visa.

2. “Hit” (Possible Match)

If there is a match with a name in a FBI record, it is designated as a "Hit," meaning that the system has stopped on a possible match with the name being checked, but now a human being must review the file or index entry to further refine the names "Hit" upon.

3. "Ident" (Match)

If the search develops a name and birth date match of a “hit”, it is designated as an "Ident” which is then analyzed for relevant or derogatory information.

4. Further Investigation is Needed

Additional review is required for searches that were not immediately eliminated as a "No Record" due to a name and birth date not being enough to positively match the file with an individual. A secondary manual search is done to determine a “no record” or a possible “hit”. The electronic and/or paper FBI record for these is retrieved and reviewed. Which is then determined a “hit” or “no record”.

-Back to Top-

Name Check Processing Time

The majority of name checks submitted are electronically checked and returned to the submitting agency as having "No Record" within 48-72 hours. The processing time for FBI name checks usually take from 30-120 days but timing does vary from case to case. The FBI’s intention is to have all visa requests processed within 120 days. Most name check requests that are over 60 days old are the result of the time required to retrieve and review field office record information. Any case which is not processed within this time frame is usually delayed because of a potential "hit" (match) which will be further reviewed manually.

-Back to Top-

Major Name Check Requesting Agencies

The FBI’s NNCP Section provides services to more than 70 federal, state, and local governments and entities. Although most name checks are conducted for each agency on a first-in, first-out basis, the contributing agency determines the order of resolution for priority, project, or expedite cases.

1. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Submits name check requests on individuals applying for the following benefits: asylum, adjustment of status to legal permanent resident, naturalization, and waivers.

2. Office of Personnel Management

Submits name checks requests in order to determine an individual’s suitability and eligibility in seeking employment with the federal government.

3. Department of State

Submits FBI name check requests on individuals applying for visas.

Not all visa matters require FBI name checks.

-Back to Top-

Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (FOIPA) vs. Name Check

Freedom of Information and Privacy Acts (FOIPA) requests are sometimes confused with name check requests. FOIPA provides copies of FBI files relevant to a specific FOIPA request. For FOIPA, the FBI search uses the name or information as provided in the FOIPA request. A FOIPA search determines whether there is an investigative file associated with an individual—a “main file” search. For a name check, “main files” and “reference files” are both checked, in addition to searching a name in a multitude of combinations.

Strange. The FBI does not list visa petitions as one of the reasons that USCIS requests name checks. Though I jnow this has been the case for quite a while, it is just strange they do not list it as a reason