How do they proccess K1? It's does not look like first come first serve

[hsingh661 1]

I see on VJ Timeline that many people who got NOA1 in Oct already got NOA1 but some people in June and July still have not gotten NOA2, how is the California Service Center processing these application? It does not look like they are processing on first come first serve basis.

[YuAndDan 153]

First come First served, however, if something delays things like a long name check, they will not halt processing of all cases in the queue for a few that are stuck in AP, so yes some later filers can and will get approved before earlier ones.

[pushbrk 12,883]

First come First served, however, if something delays things like a long name check, they will not halt processing of all cases in the queue for a few that are stuck in AP, so yes some later filers can and will get approved before earlier ones.

Be aware that "processing" does not mean "approval". It is a multiple step process to adjudicate a petition. Some take more steps and more time than others and we certainly are happy that some petitions that need more time, don't delay others that don't. It's not an "equal result". It's an orderly process.

[M&S forever 4]

I see on VJ Timeline that many people who got NOA1 in Oct already got NOA1 but some people in June and July still have not gotten NOA2, how is the California Service Center processing these application? It does not look like they are processing on first come first serve basis.

Hi,

We are in CSC and our NOA1 on July 21 so on December21 we should get our NOA2 but i afraid that there will be delay,seems they very slow with June and July fillers, I saw some people get faster if even they after us.I am so sad.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

First come First served, however, if something delays things like a long name check, they will not halt processing of all cases in the queue for a few that are stuck in AP, so yes some later filers can and will get approved before earlier ones.

The petitons are packed into file boxes in identical folders and the box is labled with the case numbers. Boxes are handed out in order by the case numbers to adjudicators. Some adjudicators work faster than others (Think 4 people in each line at the grocery store...do they all walk out at the same time? Do they all walk out in the same order they got in line?)

Adjudicators do not dabble around with problems. If you were number ONE in line but you have a delay in the background check, your file gets tossed into another cubicle to be investigated and the adjudicator looks at number 2. If number 2 is clean, it gets approved 20 minutes later and yours is waiting in another box. A new "line" so to speak. You get a "touch" (woohoo!) and number 2 gets an approval. They do not hold up anyone else because you have a problem. The average, clean (complete) petition, with no background check problems gets approved in 20 minutes or less. The rest of the time (2, 3 4 or 6 months) it was in a box on a shelf. The so-called "touches" more often than not indicate some sort of problem that is being sorted out, manual name check, verification of unclear copy of a document, etc. Not necessarily an RFE, just further checking. A clean case will rarely get a "touch" it just gets approved. Adjudicators are sometimes directed to stop work on some form of petition and start work on another. If it will not be a long delay, your petition stays with them. If they will be off of 129Fs for some time, their boxes get assigned to someone else, and get in line behind the ones already there. They scan the box and everyone in the box gets a "touch" (woohoo) Kind of like when the cashier at the grocery store goes on break just as you get to the register and you have to go around and get in line behind everyone else.

Best case situation is you send it in, you hear nothing and some time later you get an approval.

[hsingh661 1]

You get a "touch" (woohoo!)

How do I know I get a touch? When I login to the USCIS site and enter my case # to see the status, all i see is that "Your petition was received on July 17, you will get notified via mail when a decision is made".

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

How do I know I get a touch? When I login to the USCIS site and enter my case # to see the status, all i see is that "Your petition was received on July 17, you will get notified via mail when a decision is made".

Look for "last updated" When you have an "update" it means you got what they call on VJ a "touch" It does not mean your file was touched or looked at. It could mean the box it is in was moved to another location in the building.

[Sorine & Jim 1]

I would also think your processing time has a lot to do with “who” has your packet. If your packet is assigned to the person who calls in sick twice a week or the office slacker who spends more time talking about football then working, it’s just going to take longer. And don’t forget they do work in a government building so that means no smoking. So if a “smoker” has your packet simple math tells me it will take 5 times as long.

[bobbyA 20]

Adjudicators do not dabble around with problems. If you were number ONE in line but you have a delay in the background check, your file gets tossed into another cubicle to be investigated and the adjudicator looks at number 2. If number 2 is clean, it gets approved 20 minutes later and yours is waiting in another box. A new "line" so to speak. You get a "touch" (woohoo!) and number 2 gets an approval. They do not hold up anyone else because you have a problem. The average, clean (complete) petition, with no background check problems gets approved in 20 minutes or less.

Gary,

I enjoy reading the information you provided from VSC's perspective in many of your posts, and this one is no exception

Can you please expand a little on background check please? I assume it is the same as "name check"? How do they check? Why are some background checks slower than others? Do they check every name mentioned in the petition, i.e. I-129F and G325A? Do they get foreign government involved in checking names in other countries?

Thank you

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Gary,

I enjoy reading the information you provided from VSC's perspective in many of your posts, and this one is no exception

Can you please expand a little on background check please? I assume it is the same as "name check"? How do they check? Why are some background checks slower than others? Do they check every name mentioned in the petition, i.e. I-129F and G325A? Do they get foreign government involved in checking names in other countries?

Thank you

Background checks are done at several points in the process, not just once. The adjudicator puts your name(s) into a program while they do their other checking. If your background check comes back "clear" they sign off on it and it is done (for that step)It takes only a few seconds. It will be done again at NVC and probably at the consulate level. If there is a "match" they kick it out for a "manual check" which can be done by USCIS or by the FBI which has a presence in the building. USCIS uses the G-325a to "troubleshoot it" If your name...John Dillinger, for example, kicks it out, the G-325a and other documents can pretty easily show you are not THE John Dillinger. If it gets given over to the FBI, I do not know what they do with it. Neither does anyone I know at USCIS. I suppose they do whatever they do for background checks. The FBI keeps saying they will, or have, increase their efficiency of background checks.

[bobbyA 20]

Background checks are done at several points in the process, not just once. The adjudicator puts your name(s) into a program while they do their other checking. If your background check comes back "clear" they sign off on it and it is done (for that step)It takes only a few seconds. It will be done again at NVC and probably at the consulate level. If there is a "match" they kick it out for a "manual check" which can be done by USCIS or by the FBI which has a presence in the building. USCIS uses the G-325a to "troubleshoot it" If your name...John Dillinger, for example, kicks it out, the G-325a and other documents can pretty easily show you are not THE John Dillinger. If it gets given over to the FBI, I do not know what they do with it. Neither does anyone I know at USCIS. I suppose they do whatever they do for background checks. The FBI keeps saying they will, or have, increase their efficiency of background checks.

Gary,

Thanks for the above explanation.

Besides checking for criminal records do they check on other things? Does USCIS contact the IRS and check up on our ability to financially support our beneficiaries too?

I assumed making sure we are financially able to support our beneficiaries is as important as criminal records.

However, I found out yesterday that I-134 and supporting documents such as tax transcripts and W2's were submitted at the interview and not mailed in with forms DS-230 and OF-169. To me, that doesn't give them a lot of time to make sure that we are financially sound. What is your take on that?

Thank you!!

[pushbrk 12,883]

Gary,

Thanks for the above explanation.

Besides checking for criminal records do they check on other things? Does USCIS contact the IRS and check up on our ability to financially support our beneficiaries too?

I assumed making sure we are financially able to support our beneficiaries is as important as criminal records.

However, I found out yesterday that I-134 and supporting documents such as tax transcripts and W2's were submitted at the interview and not mailed in with forms DS-230 and OF-169. To me, that doesn't give them a lot of time to make sure that we are financially sound. What is your take on that?

Thank you!!

It takes only a moment or two to evaluate the information on an affidavit of support and then verify it against the supporting evidence submitted with it. They don't need to contact the IRS to verify what's on the tax return(s) and pay stubs. You sign under penalty of perjury.

Edited December 17, 2010 by pushbrk

[garmar 0]

Background checks are done at several points in the process, not just once. The adjudicator puts your name(s) into a program while they do their other checking. If your background check comes back "clear" they sign off on it and it is done (for that step)It takes only a few seconds. It will be done again at NVC and probably at the consulate level. If there is a "match" they kick it out for a "manual check" which can be done by USCIS or by the FBI which has a presence in the building. USCIS uses the G-325a to "troubleshoot it" If your name...John Dillinger, for example, kicks it out, the G-325a and other documents can pretty easily show you are not THE John Dillinger. If it gets given over to the FBI, I do not know what they do with it. Neither does anyone I know at USCIS. I suppose they do whatever they do for background checks. The FBI keeps saying they will, or have, increase their efficiency of background checks.

You seem to have a good understanding of what goes on at the USCIS. I thought you might help me to understand. When I plug my receipt number into the USCIS web site I get "Your case can not be found at this time in My Case Status." I called and they said that it is being processed but there is a computer problem which means I can't follow my case status. Does this mean there is a big problem that will likely slow my petition down or is this common? I am at 4 months now waiting for my k1 NOA2 & still nothing. Is there something I can do to find out what is happening? Is it possible that my one nonviolent arrest from 25 years ago is slowing things down or creating a problem? Any advice from anyone is appreciated.