N-400 sloaction differences

[westmeetseast 7]

Hello,

When we completed our I-751 removal of conditions process there was a marked difference in processing times between the CSV and the VSC. How is the N-400 processed? I see there are two lock boxes but is the speed of processing dependent upon the uscis field office? Are there different timeframes for the different offices?

Thank you for any answers.

[TBoneTX 45,289]

*** Thread moved from US Citizenship main forum to the Case Progress subforum. ***

[JimmyHou 611]

Hello,

When we completed our I-751 removal of conditions process there was a marked difference in processing times between the CSV and the VSC. How is the N-400 processed? I see there are two lock boxes but is the speed of processing dependent upon the uscis field office? Are there different timeframes for the different offices?

Thank you for any answers.

The lockboxes are simply contractor-operated receiving facilities. They cash your payment and check that you haven't applied too early and that's about it. They then forward your application to the National Benefits Center in Missouri which will schedule your biometrics appointment in coordination with your local Application Support Center. Biometrics checks vary wildly from applicant to applicant and can take between 1 day to several months. Once the checks are completed, your case is forwarded to your local Field Office for completion. The Field Office is responsible for conducting your interview. Depending on local backlog, you may be scheduled for an interview as soon as the Field Office gets your case (usually with about 4 weeks notice) or you may have to way a few weeks or months until they get to your case. So there is a large variability in processing times. Finally, after approval, you have to wait for an oath ceremony to become a citizen. Some cities have oath ceremonies every day, but some have them once a month or only a few times a year.

Just looking at normal processing times, an applicant in Cincinnati can expect to be done in about 3 months while an applicant in Santa Ana can expect to wait 10 months before becoming a citizen. Of course in both cities some cases are faster and some cases are slower than the norm... these are just examples of how two field offices can vary in processing times.

Edited January 15, 2016 by JimmyHou

[westmeetseast 7]

Do you have any experience with transferring files?

Is the USCIS good at that? I am in Seattle now and we will be filing the N-400 in about two weeks but I expect a new job on the East Coast within a month. I have two options:

1--file and do biometrics here and then transfer the file to the new field office or

2--move and wait three months

I have heard that the transfers get lost and it is a problem. Any thoughts?

[F & J 21]

Do you have any experience with transferring files?

Is the USCIS good at that? I am in Seattle now and we will be filing the N-400 in about two weeks but I expect a new job on the East Coast within a month. I have two options:

1--file and do biometrics here and then transfer the file to the new field office or

2--move and wait three months

I have heard that the transfers get lost and it is a problem. Any thoughts?

Honestly, I was too afraid to file with the possibility of moving so I waited until I was sure we were going to stay put for at least a year before I filed. I didn't want to risk my immigration file getting lost in the transfer. I ended up filing under the 5-year rule instead of the 3-year based on marriage because of this. Of course, in the end, it's up to you. I'm sure other people have filed their N-400 and moved mid-process and can provide you with more insight.