hypothetical question

[amigo 0]

Complaints about slow processing and delays appear in many posts. Given that the USCIS is a “self-funded” agency, I’m curious how many of VJ members would pay extra to have their N-400 applications processed faster (or much faster). What I have in mind is that the USCIS would offer some sort of expedited service. For example, you would get an interview as soon as the FBI clears your fingerprints -- no delay, or maybe just a few days. Another example would be the same-day oath. These services would cost extra, and would not make waiting times of people opting for “regular” services longer.

How much could the USCIS charge for this type of service?

[Bec_Dipu 103]

Complaints about slow processing and delays appear in many posts. Given that the USCIS is a “self-funded” agency, I’m curious how many of VJ members would pay extra to have their N-400 applications processed faster (or much faster). What I have in mind is that the USCIS would offer some sort of expedited service. For example, you would get an interview as soon as the FBI clears your fingerprints -- no delay, or maybe just a few days. Another example would be the same-day oath. These services would cost extra, and would not make waiting times of people opting for “regular” services longer.

How much could the USCIS charge for this type of service?

I personally would be willing to pay up to $5,000 to have my K1 processed faster. It should be like Disney World, buy a special bracelet and jump the line. If everyone starts paying the extra fee, then you are justified to hire more workers to process the applications.

Now what kind of plan can we put in place to get the consulates' butts in gear so the interviews aren't scheduled 2-4 months out at some and only 2-3 weeks out at others?

[Okalian 41]

Then you should always let people with fancier cars pass you when at a light. Does that sound fair to you?

Most, if not all, of USCIS's services are first-come-first-serve basis. Those who applied before you shouldn't be surpassed in line just because you have more money. If anything, you should think about USCIS recruiting more officers to speed up processing for everyone.

[Okalian 41]

Then you should always let people with fancier cars pass you when at a light. Does that sound fair to you?

Most, if not all, of USCIS's services are first-come-first-serve basis. Those who applied before you shouldn't be surpassed in line just because you have more money. If anything, you should think about USCIS recruiting more officers to speed up processing for everyone.

And there already are some districts with same day oath, and that's primarily because they're capable staff-wise to do so.

Edited March 12, 2011 by Okalian

[Bec_Dipu 103]

Then you should always let people with fancier cars pass you when at a light. Does that sound fair to you?

Most, if not all, of USCIS's services are first-come-first-serve basis. Those who applied before you shouldn't be surpassed in line just because you have more money. If anything, you should think about USCIS recruiting more officers to speed up processing for everyone.

And there already are some districts with same day oath, and that's primarily because they're capable staff-wise to do so.

I agree that it should be first come, first serve...but the fact that isn't as evidenced by the many people who randomly get processed ahead of others makes me wish there was a "pay to play" way to get processed faster. I don't know why the USCIS lowered rates for a K1, they could have kept the rate the same and used the extra income to hire more people.

If I and others are willing to pay more, then perhaps the USCIS would use the extra revenue to hire more workers, thereby increasing the speed at which everyone gets processed and then people who pay the standard rate would be benefiting. And if something like that did happen, I might not even pay the higher fee, I might just sit back and smile that I'm am reaping the benefit of other people's investments.

But since you're so big on fairness...could you please have a word with the owners of Sam's Club? Every time I go in there, people refuse to form a line and just try to bully there way to the customer service desk. I bet it's all those fancy car drivers...grrrrr.

[SophWeb 25]

Premium Processing does exist for some types of visas.

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1a/?vgnextoid=971b60657dd68210VgnVCM100000082ca60aRCRD&vgnextchannel=db029c7755cb9010VgnVCM10000045f3d6a1RCRD

(don't know why that URL is so long, but there's the link for more information)

[NickD 203]

Emilio, the former director got congress to approve of more than doubling the fees with a promise of reducing the processing times by 10%. So how much money do you want to pay.

Feel the major factor is luck and also attempting to send the neatest most well organized application possible. But in our case, still managed to misplace our applications three times, that is not good luck.

But what is the rush with US citizenship, at this time you have your ten year green card and more than likely a renewed foreign passport. Really not much as changed with my wife by getting her US citizenship, still has to maintain her foreign passport. Getting out of that I-864 has never been one of my concerns. What really hurt was delays in the AOS, that was keeping us apart, and the crazy I-751 that can take away your job and traveling.

Beginning to think by sending your application overnight and making someone sign for it, tees them off, so they just toss your application in a pile and leave it there. But service we had was to send it first class mail with a canceled personal check as proof that they received it.

Stepdaughter had reason to be concerned, got an opportunity for a foreign school scholarship where she needed her US citizenship and US passport. Could have filed last April and been done with it, but then she had no reason to do it. And enjoyed a nice drive to St. Paul in the summer with no mid terms to be concerned about. Already had most of her application filled out, but no, just played around. Looks like she is going to make it, but my point is now she has a reason. Guess if you want a federal job, also have a reason, or a job overseas so you don't lose your LPR status.

To be perfectly blunt on this subject, only way to expedite matters in Colombia or Venezuela was to go down with a wad of US hundred dollar bills in your pocket. If you don't, can wait years for anything. The love those hundred dollar bills. Asked my attorney about expedient service with the USCIS for in particular, the AOS, no such thing, but said would help to have a brother-in-law working for them, replied, don't you mean your sister? What I did learn to expedite our I-751 is to get the aid from our senator, what really helped that was to send a sizable campaign contribution. So even in this country, money talks.

We could live with the one year processing time for the N-400, but when it came way early was surprised, but felt we were back in the twilight zone again waiting for that oath letter. That was just a small 50 buck campaign contribution that got us instant service. Her application was misplaced, again or so we were told.

One thing about waiting, is being very good at the time, drive slow and carefully and keep your record clean, they are out to get you!

[nigel 7]

I think the USCIS gets more than they should if you ask me...It's just a matter of them useing the funds they get in a better way than they do....

[Szilvia74 3]

I already have a hard time for paying the application fees so I would not be able afford to pay more. I am sure there would be people who would though (yes the ones with fancy cars). For some of us $650 for N-400 is expensive. Also, what did I get for it? An officer who is (still) trying to find something wrong with my application, and sent me a form after my interview that was so standardized that technically it didn't even apply to me! I vote for making the service better first for everyone.

[xxhwx 2]

I am sure the situation will be different and better if they have the MONEY.

Good luck at convincing the politicians in Washington that the USCIS needs money more than anywhere else considering how much in debt this country is already.

Edited March 15, 2011 by xxhwx

[NickD 203]

I think the USCIS gets more than they should if you ask me...It's just a matter of them useing the funds they get in a better way than they do....

Sure got great service from the IRS, they already cashed my check just three days after I sent in the return first class snail mail. Even better service from city hall where I paid my property taxes in person, but my bank is only a block away, that big check was already cashed when I got home. Now that is really great service!

Can't say that about the USCIS, took them over two weeks to cash our check. Is that because they already have too much money? Or are they just super slow?

[Szilvia74 3]

The current fee of $650 should be enough for doing some simple paperwork, an interview and FBI check.

I don't see how the USCIS would be able to guarantee faster processing without knowing your case prior to submission (i.e. possible issues).

[NickD 203]

The current fee of $650 should be enough for doing some simple paperwork, an interview and FBI check.

I don't see how the USCIS would be able to guarantee faster processing without knowing your case prior to submission (i.e. possible issues).

They lowered it from $680.00?

[Okalian 41]

They lowered it from $680.00?

it's still $680 with biometrics.

[NickD 203]

it's still $680 with biometrics.

Just my somewhat tactful of saying, is $650.00 really correct. But the USCIS could be having a spring sale.