Does a RFE Affect the Time Bewteen Interview and Oath?

[Big Papa Zone 93]

I had my interview on Monday and was told everything was fine except for some missing documentation, that being a certified court document stating that my one and only speeding ticket from FOUR YEARS AGO (rolls eyes) had been successfully actioned. As it goes, thankfully for some reason unbeknown to me, I'd actually kept the original citation given to me by the cop on the roadside, and even more thankfully, the lady at the courthouse was able to pull up all the details about the incident on her computer, and was able to provide me with the necessary documentation, which I returned to the USCIS office the same day. The moral of the story here is KEEP YOUR SPEEDING TICKETS! But anyway, I digress.

I duly received the update on the USCIS website stating that they had received the documentation and were proceeding with the case. I had asked the IO that interviewed me if that's all that was needed, and everything else was fine, and she assured me it was. Thing is, the status update says I will hear about any decision within 60 days - is that actually likely? Or will they now proceed with my case as swiftly as they would have done had the RFE not been in effect?

Would like to hear from anyone else in the same boat.

Thanks.

[second stage 14]

I had my interview on Monday and was told everything was fine except for some missing documentation, that being a certified court document stating that my one and only speeding ticket from FOUR YEARS AGO (rolls eyes) had been successfully actioned. As it goes, thankfully for some reason unbeknown to me, I'd actually kept the original citation given to me by the cop on the roadside, and even more thankfully, the lady at the courthouse was able to pull up all the details about the incident on her computer, and was able to provide me with the necessary documentation, which I returned to the USCIS office the same day. The moral of the story here is KEEP YOUR SPEEDING TICKETS! But anyway, I digress.

I duly received the update on the USCIS website stating that they had received the documentation and were proceeding with the case. I had asked the IO that interviewed me if that's all that was needed, and everything else was fine, and she assured me it was. Thing is, the status update says I will hear about any decision within 60 days - is that actually likely? Or will they now proceed with my case as swiftly as they would have done had the RFE not been in effect?

Would like to hear from anyone else in the same boat.

Thanks.

Damian,

Usually you should get approved in 1-2 days once you submit the documents.

If the USCIS officer said she was assured based on the documentation, you will see approval soon. I would have expected the same day approval unless there were other items during the interview.

[JimmyHou 611]

I had my interview on Monday and was told everything was fine except for some missing documentation, that being a certified court document stating that my one and only speeding ticket from FOUR YEARS AGO (rolls eyes) had been successfully actioned. As it goes, thankfully for some reason unbeknown to me, I'd actually kept the original citation given to me by the cop on the roadside, and even more thankfully, the lady at the courthouse was able to pull up all the details about the incident on her computer, and was able to provide me with the necessary documentation, which I returned to the USCIS office the same day. The moral of the story here is KEEP YOUR SPEEDING TICKETS! But anyway, I digress.

I duly received the update on the USCIS website stating that they had received the documentation and were proceeding with the case. I had asked the IO that interviewed me if that's all that was needed, and everything else was fine, and she assured me it was. Thing is, the status update says I will hear about any decision within 60 days - is that actually likely? Or will they now proceed with my case as swiftly as they would have done had the RFE not been in effect?

Would like to hear from anyone else in the same boat.

Thanks.

Congratulations and I'm very glad you had that ticket! It'll make things move a lot faster. I think an RFE does cause at least a minor delay, because without it you could have been approved on the day of your interview, but I don't think the delay will be significant. It probably depends on the backlog of RFE files at your local office and whether they process your file as soon as you respond or if there's a delay of a couple of days of weeks. In most cases I've read about, where they're only asking for something routine that doesn't affect the status of your application, it's only a delay of days and not months. Good luck.

Now let me rant:

I wonder how may people end up having to fight USCIS (either with the help of their representatives or through the courts) over this issue. Many people will simply not be able to respond to such an RFE. The Naturalization Guide and the USCIS Policy Manual both state that no evidence needs to be submitted if traffic tickets were under $500 and not DWI/DUI related (you still have to disclose them, but don't have to supply evidence). There are many people who have been residents for 10, 15, or 20 years and I really doubt that a 40 year old would still have a speeding ticket from when he/she was 21. I don't know about other states, but in Texas, your driving record does not show anything older than 7 years... so even if I knew I had a speeding ticket from 2003 while driving up to Dallas, I wouldn't know where to ask for documentation unless I remembered exactly which little town I was stopped at 11 years ago and whether I was stopped by a City officer, a High patrolman, a Sheriff's deputy, or a State trooper. I'd have to call every county and city courthouse between Houston and Dallas to see if they had a record of my ticket and I probably would only have a rough idea of the date.

And what about people who were bad drivers when they were younger and have 5 or 10 tickets from 20 years ago? They probably don't remember every one and wouldn't even be able to accurately list them all on their application... I suppose the best they can do is tell the IO that they just don't remember... but then they'll end up with an RFE that they can't respond to. It seems rather ridiculous speeding should stop you from being naturalized.

[Big Papa Zone 93]

Good points, well made, but it's the inconsistency that infuriates me: some IOs care; others don't! Come on, USCIS - sort it out!

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Good points, well made, but it's the inconsistency that infuriates me: some IOs care; others don't! Come on, USCIS - sort it out!

I am guessing that you will make the schedule for this ceremony--

Friday, October 31, 11:00 a.m., TFE Courthouse, 28th Floor, En Banc Courtroom

Happy Halloween!

There is a ceremony tomorrow, but you wouldn't have made it anyway--RFE or not. They have to print up your certificate and such.

http://www.moeb.uscourts.gov/naturalization_schedule_2014.htm

http://www.moeb.uscourts.gov/naturalization.htm

Interesting that they say check in 15 minutes early. Must not be many people. Houston checks in 2-3 hours early and holds it in a double decker gymnasium....lower level and balcony level. Thousands of people there.

[Big Papa Zone 93]

I am guessing that you will make the schedule for this ceremony--

Friday, October 31, 11:00 a.m., TFE Courthouse, 28th Floor, En Banc Courtroom

Happy Halloween!

There is a ceremony tomorrow, but you wouldn't have made it anyway--RFE or not. They have to print up your certificate and such.

http://www.moeb.uscourts.gov/naturalization_schedule_2014.htm

http://www.moeb.uscourts.gov/naturalization.htm

Interesting that they say check in 15 minutes early. Must not be many people. Houston checks in 2-3 hours early and holds it in a double decker gymnasium....lower level and balcony level. Thousands of people there.

That would be PERFECT.