USCIS Processing Time for CSC

[IfoemaUS 25]

They're only telling you what they HAVE to tell you which is the same information available on the website here: https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/processTimesDisplayInit.do

Read the explanation of the chart. It says: "If the field office or service center is meeting its goal for processing a form, you will find the timeframe listed in months. For example, if the office is processing Form N-400 naturalization applications in five months or less, then the chart will say "5 months." However, if the office is experiencing a processing delay, you will find the filing date of the last case that the office completed before updating the chart."

This means that when CSC shows "5 months" next to I-129fs, that their goal is to get them done in 5 months and they are currently meeting or beating that goal. We can tell from Visajourney that they are beating that goal by 2 or 3 months. The Visajourney timelines are guides, not guarantees, and they're based on the average timeframe of recent filers. They can fluctuate.

Right now the average is 63 days which is much much shorter than the 5 months USCIS tells you to expect, so take that gift, please. (I filed when the average for TSC was 210+ days which was a nightmare and I got out in 5 months, 3 weeks and I considered that a gift. People freaking out over the average at CSC lengthening by a week or two while it is still *months* below what they tell you to expect is baffling to me).

Also, I see you're a Florida filer. You should really be thanking your lucky stars then, because if it wasn't for folks here at Visajourney, you'd be applying to TSC, too (east went to TSC, west went to CSC). Folks here lobbied HARD for someone at USCIS to pay attention to the timeframe discrepancy between the two centers (at the time TSC was 210+ days, CSC was 21. Literally 10 times faster), and the result was shutting Texas and sending all files to the much faster California. The result of that is that now California is 3 times slower than it was, but is still churning them out in a *third* of the time Texas was. So seriously. Perspective on how lucky you got. You could just as easily be looking at 7+ months for NOA2.

Also remember that average is average--there are many reasons that some people will be a bit faster or a bit slower-- some with luck in where you happened to fall in the pile, and some to do with your file itself but for the most part, within a service center, without RFEs, everyone should be handled within 3 or so weeks of each other.

Focus on next steps for embassy. That's when you've got more control over the timeframe, and I've heard that you often need to wait a long time for medical exam appointments/ interview appointments to become available in Nigeria. So the sooner you can get the required paperwork done to be able to schedule medicals/interview, the better. That part, you can control. Ask the regional forum for tips on what you can do before the embassy sends you the official checklist.

You're a platinum member....I think you've forgotten how it was to be new to this process (which baffles me) and not know all the info and backstory you now know. You don't have to tell a person off and belittle their intelligence to help them understand your point. Previous to your post, other members pleasantly directed me to the info you blasted and I was able to comprehend it and understand how "lucky" I am without all of the bold highlights and negativity I sense from your reply. But thanks though...

[Pennycat 880]

You're a platinum member....I think you've forgotten how it was to be new to this process (which baffles me) and not know all the info and backstory you now know. You don't have to tell a person off and belittle their intelligence to help them understand your point. Previous to your post, other members pleasantly directed me to the info you blasted and I was able to comprehend it and understand how "lucky" I am without all of the bold highlights and negativity I sense from your reply. But thanks though...

This question gets asked (and freaked out about) and answered about once every three days. I haven't forgotten what it's like to be new-- when I was new I read through recent posts before having a public meltdown over (incorrect) information. Clicking back one page (sometimes not even necessary) on the K1 and Service Center forums would show you this week's batch of people who are shocked that USCIS's stated goal time is 5 months for I-129fs and misunderstanding just what that chart and/or the VJ timelines say. I bolded and made larger because the copy and paste from the website is very very small and the key portions need to stand out somehow.

When you started this process, you should have seen 5 months printed in many different places, or have seen the wait times here on VJ. If not, what did you expect? A few days? Overnight? I don't expect anyone to know the back story, so I said it to provide to give perspective about how actually you have it *great* and even if CSC was taking 5 full months, it could be much much worse. 2 months is nothing, and is 3 months faster than they tell you it will take.

[Scandi 4,166]

Right or wrong, you tend compare with what the situation with CSC looks like right now and other people's time frames. According to how fast CSC approves VJ members' petitions right now it seems to be about 2-3 months in between NOA1 and NOA2/RFE. But unfortunately some get stuck for whatever reason, like us who are still stuck at NOA1 after 4 months. Whatever happened back when K-1s were handled at TSC doesn't have anything to do with us and our petition, or anyone else who isn't at TSC.

[yuna628 9,676]

Right or wrong, you tend compare with what the situation with CSC looks like right now and other people's time frames. According to how fast CSC approves VJ members' petitions right now it seems to be about 2-3 months in between NOA1 and NOA2/RFE. But unfortunately some get stuck for whatever reason, like us who are still stuck at NOA1 after 4 months. Whatever happened back when K-1s were handled at TSC doesn't have anything to do with us and our petition, or anyone else who isn't at TSC.

There's many different factors in the length of time to process a petition... but the actions of TSC does have a lot to do with how CSC is behaving at this time. It is because of TSC being shut down, rather than having their own specific issues being addressed that has placed additional burden on CSC. There could be other factors, such as increased vetting due to what went on with the SB shooters.. who could say?

Your increased wait time, which is still within the USCIS timeframe of standard, would almost not be much of a factor back then. Within 4 months you could have been with your loved one at the alter already before. It's not like this wasn't pointed out to the higher ups in charge either. We all knew the most likely outcome if the USCIS took the lazy way out instead of actually fixing the big problem. Despite that, CSC also still suffers from a problem of being slow or not always effective in getting approved applications over to the NVC in a prompt manner.. so there is that potential delay as well.

Edited May 5, 2016 by yuna628

[Scandi 4,166]

There's many different factors in the length of time to process a petition... but the actions of TSC does have a lot to do with how CSC is behaving at this time. It is because of TSC being shut down, rather than having their own specific issues being addressed that has placed additional burden on CSC. There could be other factors, such as increased vetting due to what went on with the SB shooters.. who could say?

Your increased wait time, which is still within the USCIS timeframe of standard, would almost not be much of a factor back then. Within 4 months you could have been with your loved one at the alter already before. It's not like this wasn't pointed out to the higher ups in charge either. We all knew the most likely outcome if the USCIS took the lazy way out instead of actually fixing the big problem. Despite that, CSC also still suffers from a problem of being slow or not always effective in getting approved applications over to the NVC in a prompt manner.. so there is that potential delay as well.

You probably misunderstood what I said. I meant that no matter what happened at TSC, that it took 8 months or whatever, isn't something that is important in our cases at all. Yes CSC is taking a bit longer now - NOW - which is what I said, you compare your case with what the situation at CSC is RIGHT NOW. And right now the general timeframe between NOA1 and NOA2/RFE seems to be about 2-3 months (whatever the reason is, TSC or not, doesn't matter). What matters is the general processing time at CSC right now.

That might come to change in a few months from now, or a year from now, and it has changed quite a bit already since last year. But that doesn't matter as the it is right now that matters. The reason for this is totally uninteresting (ie TSC or whatever it is, is totally uninteresting), as we can't do anything about that anyway.

[jpiz777 3]

I take it one day at a time. I'll check my mail again today and see if there's any mail from USCIS. If not, check again tomorrow.

[Dutchster 1,107]

You probably misunderstood what I said. I meant that no matter what happened at TSC, that it took 8 months or whatever, isn't something that is important in our cases at all. Yes CSC is taking a bit longer now - NOW - which is what I said, you compare your case with what the situation at CSC is RIGHT NOW. And right now the general timeframe between NOA1 and NOA2/RFE seems to be about 2-3 months (whatever the reason is, TSC or not, doesn't matter). What matters is the general processing time at CSC right now.

That might come to change in a few months from now, or a year from now, and it has changed quite a bit already since last year. But that doesn't matter as the it is right now that matters. The reason for this is totally uninteresting (ie TSC or whatever it is, is totally uninteresting), as we can't do anything about that anyway.

I know it's hard to wait so long for NOA2 but you start to sound bitter. Almost everyone on this forum knows how long the wait can be. Normally you get send to either Texas or California but TSC was so behind on all their petitions that everything now is being send to CSC, which is why they're most likely behind/delayed. So I do believe that it matters to our cases to COMPARE. Take some of people's advice and keep on thinking, "Expect 10 months, be happy with 5". Be happy your case is not at TSC, and welcome to the long-wait club for everyone without any NOA2 or NVC case.

[IfoemaUS 25]

This question gets asked (and freaked out about) and answered about once every three days. I haven't forgotten what it's like to be new-- when I was new I read through recent posts before having a public meltdown over (incorrect) information. Clicking back one page (sometimes not even necessary) on the K1 and Service Center forums would show you this week's batch of people who are shocked that USCIS's stated goal time is 5 months for I-129fs and misunderstanding just what that chart and/or the VJ timelines say. I bolded and made larger because the copy and paste from the website is very very small and the key portions need to stand out somehow.

When you started this process, you should have seen 5 months printed in many different places, or have seen the wait times here on VJ. If not, what did you expect? A few days? Overnight? I don't expect anyone to know the back story, so I said it to provide to give perspective about how actually you have it *great* and even if CSC was taking 5 full months, it could be much much worse. 2 months is nothing, and is 3 months faster than they tell you it will take.

You sound very bitter (for what I do not know) and it seems you really did not understand the initial post. The information was not "incorrect". I called USCIS (due diligence that you seem to think newbies aren't capable of)...and was given the time frame of 5 months (as you've so critically pointed out is correct) and because the rep could only generalize I came to my support forum and asked for clarity to know if the 5 months was for the whole visa process or the time between NOA1 & NOA2. Because in comparing what she told me with the "recent posts, timelines, and reports that I initially read through (there's that due diligence again) there was a significant difference. Now if I'm not mistaken, VJ is a public forum for support and I don't recall it being against guidelines to "meltdown" or "freak out"...which would completely undermine one of the purposes of this forum. You seem to have a personal grievance about what people post, which is not anyone else's issue. If the frequency and repetitiveness of the questions bother you, maybe not engaging on the topic would serve you best; as not to bring any annoyance to your day.There seems to be a lot of other members here that know how to redirect newbies and others politely, so if your true intent is to be helpful, at least be polite as well so that people can truly receive your message.

[IfoemaUS 25]

I know it's hard to wait so long for NOA2 but you start to sound bitter. Almost everyone on this forum knows how long the wait can be. Normally you get send to either Texas or California but TSC was so behind on all their petitions that everything now is being send to CSC, which is why they're most likely behind/delayed. So I do believe that it matters to our cases to COMPARE. Take some of people's advice and keep on thinking, "Expect 10 months, be happy with 5". Be happy your case is not at TSC, and welcome to the long-wait club for everyone without any NOA2 or NVC case.

Speaking for myself, it's not that I'm bitter. I initially posted to get clarity on if the 5 months was for the entire visa process or just NOA1 to NOA2 because based on timelines and charts (that are updated real time) it seemed to be little over 2 months for NOA2 and 5 months total...now I understand those are only estimates...so when the replies came and redirected me (politely) then I understood better. Then my concern became what happened that it seems like everything just came to a screeching holt (which is a curiosity and I thought this forum was here to be able to discuss such things). In any case, those that have been here and gone through should understand the emotion behind it when you are new to it and it seems that some vets do not have that empathy; which is confusing to me.

[Pennycat 880]

You sound very bitter (for what I do not know) and it seems you really did not understand the initial post. The information was not "incorrect". I called USCIS (due diligence that you seem to think newbies aren't capable of)...and was given the time frame of 5 months (as you've so critically pointed out is correct) and because the rep could only generalize I came to my support forum and asked for clarity to know if the 5 months was for the whole visa process or the time between NOA1 & NOA2. Because in comparing what she told me with the "recent posts, timelines, and reports that I initially read through (there's that due diligence again) there was a significant difference. Now if I'm not mistaken, VJ is a public forum for support and I don't recall it being against guidelines to "meltdown" or "freak out"...which would completely undermine one of the purposes of this forum. You seem to have a personal grievance about what people post, which is not anyone else's issue. If the frequency and repetitiveness of the questions bother you, maybe not engaging on the topic would serve you best; as not to bring any annoyance to your day.There seems to be a lot of other members here that know how to redirect newbies and others politely, so if your true intent is to be helpful, at least be polite as well so that people can truly receive your message.

I'm not bitter, I'm frustrated that no matter how much you try to help new people with both information and perspective (the support you speak of), no one seems to get it.

The information is this: the USCIS line cannot give you any more information that the USCIS page does. The USCIS page says, essentially, within 5 months. And if you read it carefully, and understand what the person on the phone told you, you'd see that. Then, the more accurate guideline (not guarantee) here is showing that they're getting done significantly faster than that. The near- constant "OMG 5 MONTHS" freakout is utterly bizarre for several reasons. One-- it happens here, and so anyone who has done research here should see that it's not actually 5 months. Two-- 5 months is what USCIS told you to expect when you applied, so coming here and hearing 2 months should be a miracle, not a cause for meltdows. It's not bitter it's dumbfounded.

Like it or not, what happened with TSC definitely effects what's happening now. That's actually the reason it's taking over 2 months at CSC now. Which, half of new applicants might be upset about, and the other half should be happy about.

And part of support is often perspective. And gaining insight into how incredibly lucky K1s are in terms of speed in general (even those of us who went through the backlog) but especially those who are beating goal time by half is important. You can sit there and stare at a screen waiting for your NOA2 to pop up and curse every day, or you can count your blessings (especially if you know what the alternative would have been) and use this place as a place to get tips and tricks for making the next part of your journey faster. You can shave *months* off of embassy stage if you set yourself up properly, and there's nothing you can do about USCIS wait times, 63 days or 7 months.

And you didn't ask for clarification. Literally the first thing you said was that you're freaking out. Stated information that was incorrect/misleading (it is not taking 5 months from NOA1 to NOA2, it is taking "up to" which is a big difference) and then had a lot of histrionics over it. On a forum where someone else in your same shoes did the same thing on Monday (or Sunday, or Friday).

Edited May 5, 2016 by CatherineA

[Dutchster 1,107]

-

Edited May 5, 2016 by stephadams

[Dutchster 1,107]

Speaking for myself, it's not that I'm bitter. I initially posted to get clarity on if the 5 months was for the entire visa process or just NOA1 to NOA2 because based on timelines and charts (that are updated real time) it seemed to be little over 2 months for NOA2 and 5 months total...now I understand those are only estimates...so when the replies came and redirected me (politely) then I understood better. Then my concern became what happened that it seems like everything just came to a screeching holt (which is a curiosity and I thought this forum was here to be able to discuss such things). In any case, those that have been here and gone through should understand the emotion behind it when you are new to it and it seems that some vets do not have that empathy; which is confusing to me.

I didn't call you bitter, sweetheart. I know what you asked and us, members too, replied to it to make it more helpful for you. We just have to accept the bitter truth that we're USCIS's puppets now and we don't know what, why, how and when. And we can't sugercoat it for the newbies, even if we want to. That's not fair, we've all been through this and it made us realistic. We're going to say how it is, no sugercoats even though we understand how hard the wait is.

Edited May 5, 2016 by stephadams

[LionessDeon 2,060]

Much easier said than done

You will stress yourself out. Patience is key in this process. Immigration is a long difficult process and no 2 journeys are exactly the same.

I've tried clearing out the Armenia at least 3 times and it keeps re-appearing. My approximate adjudication date has changed the last 3 weeks, indicating no movement. Don't get me wrong, I understand these are all approximates and there is no guarantee it will go faster or slower...just trying to gauge what is happening with everyone else as well.

click edit, make the changes, and then you must scroll all the way to the bottom and click submit.

You're a platinum member....I think you've forgotten how it was to be new to this process (which baffles me) and not know all the info and backstory you now know. You don't have to tell a person off and belittle their intelligence to help them understand your point. Previous to your post, other members pleasantly directed me to the info you blasted and I was able to comprehend it and understand how "lucky" I am without all of the bold highlights and negativity I sense from your reply. But thanks though...

Oooohhh believe me, we don't forget. What this poster is trying to tell you is that for every obstacle you go through there are 10 other VJers with issues, wait times, and obstacle alot worse than yours. Take the time to hop over to the AP forum. There you will see VJers waiting years for their visa to be issued. So what we are trying to tell you is to educate yourself, read the guides, read others threads, learn all the ins and outs. Tip: Calling USCIS is known as calling the "misinformation line". You rarely get accurate info from them.

You sound very bitter (for what I do not know) and it seems you really did not understand the initial post. The information was not "incorrect". I called USCIS (due diligence that you seem to think newbies aren't capable of)...and was given the time frame of 5 months (as you've so critically pointed out is correct) and because the rep could only generalize I came to my support forum and asked for clarity to know if the 5 months was for the whole visa process or the time between NOA1 & NOA2. Because in comparing what she told me with the "recent posts, timelines, and reports that I initially read through (there's that due diligence again) there was a significant difference. Now if I'm not mistaken, VJ is a public forum for support and I don't recall it being against guidelines to "meltdown" or "freak out"...which would completely undermine one of the purposes of this forum. You seem to have a personal grievance about what people post, which is not anyone else's issue. If the frequency and repetitiveness of the questions bother you, maybe not engaging on the topic would serve you best; as not to bring any annoyance to your day.There seems to be a lot of other members here that know how to redirect newbies and others politely, so if your true intent is to be helpful, at least be polite as well so that people can truly receive your message.

What we are trying to say is again...read up educate yourself on wht the process is and what can happen. Its good to read other threads to know possible situations that can arise. Yes, us VJ "old timers" do get a bit tired of reading the same posts over and over complaining about their waiting. We have all played the waiting game. When I first joined VJ, I read and read, and read. I read everything...the guides, the processing times, the embassy info, the forums, other peoples timelines. I used the search tool if I had a question. It does seem to me that when new VJers have an issue and instead of trying to research on their own, they jump on and start a topic. So, while I love helping people and trying to answer questions, it does get frustrating when you see the exact same posts repeatedly. Am I bitter...not at all...but I do wonder if we have forgotten how to do some of our own work instead of relying so heavily on others to do the work for us. Internet age drawbacks, I guess.

OP I wish you much luck on your journey and to be with your loved one soon!

[Ortolan 381]

Be happy...it took us 9 months to get from NOA1 to NOA2. But on the bright side...you learn patience, that's for sure...

Edited May 5, 2016 by Ortolan

[IfoemaUS 25]

I'm not bitter, I'm frustrated that no matter how much you try to help new people with both information and perspective (the support you speak of), no one seems to get it.

The information is this: the USCIS line cannot give you any more information that the USCIS page does. The USCIS page says, essentially, within 5 months. And if you read it carefully, and understand what the person on the phone told you, you'd see that. Then, the more accurate guideline (not guarantee) here is showing that they're getting done significantly faster than that. The near- constant "OMG 5 MONTHS" freakout is utterly bizarre for several reasons. One-- it happens here, and so anyone who has done research here should see that it's not actually 5 months. Two-- 5 months is what USCIS told you to expect when you applied, so coming here and hearing 2 months should be a miracle, not a cause for meltdows. It's not bitter it's dumbfounded.

Like it or not, what happened with TSC definitely effects what's happening now. That's actually the reason it's taking over 2 months at CSC now. Which, half of new applicants might be upset about, and the other half should be happy about.

And part of support is often perspective. And gaining insight into how incredibly lucky K1s are in terms of speed in general (even those of us who went through the backlog) but especially those who are beating goal time by half is important. You can sit there and stare at a screen waiting for your NOA2 to pop up and curse every day, or you can count your blessings (especially if you know what the alternative would have been) and use this place as a place to get tips and tricks for making the next part of your journey faster. You can shave *months* off of embassy stage if you set yourself up properly, and there's nothing you can do about USCIS wait times, 63 days or 7 months.

And you didn't ask for clarification. Literally the first thing you said was that you're freaking out. Stated information that was incorrect/misleading (it is not taking 5 months from NOA1 to NOA2, it is taking "up to" which is a big difference) and then had a lot of histrionics over it. On a forum where someone else in your same shoes did the same thing on Monday (or Sunday, or Friday).

You still do not get it.

First, do you realize that the new people you speak of change frequently, and therefore you should expect the same old questions and concerns just like you have so many expectations of the constantly changing new people who don't know you have these expectations when they ask LOL

Second, I have no issue with me freaking out, you do...but from your own scathing response you pointed out that 5 months is all the USCIS can give out so therefore I asked for clarity----> (..."was told that it takes 5 months to process through the State Department...I asked is that the time it takes to get from NOA1 to NOA2 and sent to NVC and was told yes"..."please tell me this can't be true. Maybe she meant it takes 5 months to go through the entire process??" <----this is me asking for clarity; because as you pointed out repeatedly, that's all they can say is 5 months.

Lastly, all of the other support I've had here (perspectives, tips, and all) was very tasteful in delivery even if at the end of the day they were basically telling me to suck it up, read and be grateful...you however have been the only one very bitter in your delivery. Because one panics doesn't mean they are not grateful or counting blessings.