As a K1 applicant stuck at TSC, I turn to you all for help and hope

[Pennycat 880]

If that's how they process it, then that is the worst way I've ever heard to go about it. I guess I look at this process with the mind of a file clerk that's worked in doctor's offices (ones that don't yet use electronic medical records). Some people's files can be so thick they are falling apart from the weight and require new folders. I can't imagine them going through every sheet someone sends and scanning them... and then to never even be bothered to look through the application but only to rely on a computer system (and a badly sounding programmed one at that)?

Again, this is only what I can infer and guess but based on the information floating around it does sound like a possibility that at least SOME types of petitions get processed that way. I-129fs or I-130s...don't know. Of course it makes more sense your way but government operations don't always make sense. Someone gets an idea "paper-free government! ability to telework! share workload across service centers! don't need to lease storage space for old petitions! make it all digital NOW!", and it all just kind of runs from there, whether it actually works or not. And there is a big push right now across the government to reduce paperwork (literal, hardcopy paper), and has spent a lot of money on various databases and workflow management/information management programs to accomplish that. These things have been more successful in some situations than in others.

And so when there is an Inspector General's (the internal "watchdog" of every agency) report directly blaming these new systems for the backlogs, and then news articles detailing what exactly is so much slower about them, combined with seeing a tenfold difference between one service center and another---to me, that sounds like 1+1+1=3. I could be so wrong that it's laughable. But we don't really know because USCIS doesn't openly provide detailed information, and no one who matters is asking the right questions, if any questions at all.

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

ELIS is a separate system they have implemented. It is not used for most forms, such as the I-129F and I-130 petitions that are sent to service centers for adjudication. The service centers still have humans going through the files. Your case is placed in a folder and has a barcode on it for identification.

(3) Affix Bar Code .

Affix the CLAIMS bar code receipt number on the application and forward the case for data entry and file creation.

...

(d) Data Entry and File Management .

After receipting new cases are sent for data entry, central index checks, lookout checks, and file creation or requests. The following general steps should occur:

(1) The application and supporting documents are housed in a file jacket. Offices using the CLAIMS receipting system label the file jacket with a bar code label bearing the CLAIMS receipt number. Required data entry is completed. Data elements required for each type of application are prompted by the CLAIMS receipting screen for the specific application/petition type. [see CLAIMS Users Manual for details.] Relating files, such as family members or group members, should be bundled together.

(2) CLAIMS will automatically search for and request any existing file on the applicant or beneficiary, but not on a petitioner or other related party. Such requests must be manually initiated by the adjudicating officer, if he or she deems it appropriate. Attach relating files to the receipt file prior to forwarding the case for adjudication. Forward cases not requiring a new or requested "A" file prior to adjudication immediately after data entry.

...

The following steps generally apply to all cases processed by the adjudications unit within a service center or local office (including all naturalization and nationality applications). Depending upon local procedures, these steps may be handled by a single adjudicator, or they may be broken down according to task with various tasks being handled by different employees.

(a) Case Review .

...

(b) IBIS Checks .

...

© Other Records .

...

(d) Adjudication .

The adjudicator must carefully examine the application form and all supporting documents. The examination should address (but not be limited to) the following questions:

· Is the form complete and signed?

· Is the applicant or petitioner represented by counsel with Form G-28 on file?

· Are there any responses which require further explanation or indicate there may be a need for additional documentation?

· Are all necessary supporting documents present and translated into English, if necessary?

· Is the beneficiary statutorily eligible for the benefit sought?

· Are all supporting documents authentic and unaltered?

· Is there any reason to suspect fraud?

· Are there any legal precedent decisions or court orders relevant to the case?

· Are there any ancillary applications which should be filed by the applicant (e.g. a waiver application, adjustment application, advance parole request, or employment authorization request)?

(e) The Burden of Proof .

...

(f ) Inspection of Evidence .

...

(g) Decision: Approval .

...

(h) Decision: Denial .

...

And so on....

http://www.uscis.gov/iframe/ilink/docView/AFM/HTML/AFM/0-0-0-1.html

The ELIS system was implemented for only a few processes, such as to pay the immigrant fee. That article was about the ELIS system. It was not about the adjudication of petitions at service centers.

About USCIS ELISUSCIS ELIS is a secure Web-based system that allows you to: Pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee,

File a Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, or

File a Form I-526, Immigrant Petition by Alien Entrepreneur.Legal representatives may create an account and file Form I-539 or Form I-526 online (but they may not pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee for their clients).

http://www.uscis.gov/uscis-elis/e-filing-using-uscis-elis

Edited March 4, 2015 by KayDeeCee