N400 process stalled at interview

[Rich 0]

Hello all,

Have a case I hope you may help me with. We applied for citizenship back in July 09, all members of the family. We were lucky and went through the process without any hiccups, but my daughter. She has an hyper-perspiration problem, and her biometrics were difficult to take. She did it two times at different offices. When she went for interview (on Dec 01), and passed her exam, the officer told her there was a problem with her fingerprints, and could not get verified. The officer then gave her the N445 form saying she passed the exam, but was requested to provide affidavit from the sheriff office of her clean record. She had to get it from our previous address and her current address. We collected the information and sent the original documents to the address they requested by Dec 27. We have the delivery confirmation from USPS of the envelope delivery a couple days later. So far we have not heard from USCIS, nor seen any change in her status.

We're growing concerned her case may fall through the cracks and get lost. There is no way to get information from USCIS website or phone number. We are thinking her next step is asking for an interview with Infopass at the office where she was interviewed and see if there is any progress in her case. We're thinking she should go to Infopass if there is no answer by the end of the month, but we're concerned that by then, the process would be over the 6 months, and may be considered abandoned.

Questions:

- Can you guys suggest any other action that may help her?

- Are we overreacting and have to wait longer?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Rich

[Kathryn41 3,205]

You can certainly make an infopass to try and find out what is going on, and if that isn't satisfactory, then it is time to contact your Senator's office or your Representative's office. They will require you to provide them with signed permission to investigate on your behalf. Many have this permission form available on their website. They can find out what the hold up is, or 'shake something loose' if it has become stuck along the way. They are unlikely to have considered the process abandoned after 6 months especially when the delay is at their end.

Good luck.

Edited January 25, 2010 by Kathryn41

[Rich 0]

Thank you Kathryn41,

Thanks for suggesting contacting our Senators , I missed that completely . Have a further question though.

Our home state is WA, but my daughter is attending college in FL. Our permanent address is in WA, when we filed her papers set hers alternate as FL. Which Senator would you suggest to start with, WA or FL?

I mean, I'm confused which way would be better. We moved from FL about 4 years ago, and are now WA residents, but she still is a FL resident. Since she's an adult, and responsible for her case, it looks like FL is the way to go; but been honest, we want her dedicated to her studies, and dealing with this is an undesired distraction and guess we may want to go the WA way. Pros and Cons everywhere (as usual ).

Your suggestion in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Rich

[Kathryn41 3,205]

Where did she interview? Florida or Washington? Where do you expect her to be taking her oath ceremony? That would be the relevant factor here. If she interviewed in Washington, then that is where her file is so that is the Senator/Representative you should contact. If she interviewed in Florida, than that would be the appropriate individual.

Actually, reviewing your time frame if the requested documents only got back to them early January it is still only the end of January. I don't think there is a problem with the time line yet. They would send the fingerprints out for processing and if things go according to the time line of other applicants it would be several weeks before you would expect to hear anything. Usually that would be the interview but since she has already had her interview, it could be that they are now waiting for the next available space in an oath ceremony.

Certainly, an infopass appointment should clear up some of this information - and of course a Senatorial inquiry can always follow if that doesn't help. I don't think it is time to worry about her falling through the cracks, yet.

[Rich 0]

Thank you again Kathryn41,

Your answers have been very helpful. Appreciate them.

Rich

Edited January 25, 2010 by Rich