N-400 August 2017 Filers

[Zombie69 363]

45 minutes ago, Jesse28 said:

I'm a September filer and had my interview yesterday at the San Bernardino office here in California, which is a much smaller field office compared to the Los Angeles office. The IO made a comment that the day before she was doing July paper filings (not sure if IO meant interviews or reviews) and that today they all seemed to be online filers. That they, not sure if IO meant that field office or all USCIS offices, were trying to balance out paper and online applications. I didn't ask what makes the online move faster since I'm sure it varies by case but it seems like they are trying to get every application moving forward. 

At least that is encouraging to hear that some part of USCIS is trying to balance out the online and paper applications. There have been a couple of on line 400 filers who filed later than me(I filed 400 on 8/11)already got naturalized. While I am happy for the on line 400 filers who were approved/naturalized quickly, knowing applicants like us who filed on paper might have to wait for another 7 or 8 months or even longer is very frustrating. I hope they can at least attempt to make it a bit fairer and process all 400 applications in order which they were received and not have a situation when online filers jumping way ahead by 60 percent of the normal processing times.

 

28 minutes ago, NaturalizeHope said:

Well, I'm being selfish here but it would be great if Seattle starts doing what other field offices are doing in terms of processing a balanced paper and online applications.  

 

I've looked into this forum and some others to find any online filers from Seattle whose PD is before me (8/5/2017) to find at least one case that was filed online in Seattle to get a sense of if online filing is any faster for Seattle - but cannot find a single one. There are some Seattle online filers whose PD is later than mine and they are in the same boat as I am (applied and just waiting for interview to be scheduled). But, not a single online filer from Seattle before August 5, 2017 that I've found - so cannot say for sure if Seattle processes paper and online differently  

 You are not being selfish, it is totally legitimate to hope USCIS to process all 400 applications in a fair and efficient matter. If applying on line really results in faster interview dates, then USCIS should encourage all applicants to do so, so no one would be jumping ahead, almost like a preferential treatment. Ideally, on line filing is meant to make it easier for applicants to submit an application, it is about efficiency for USCIS to receive applications "electronically"  it should never have resulted in jumping way ahead of paper filers. There is a huge difference between waiting for 2 months to get an interview letter and waiting for 8 months to receive one. In Los Angeles, I have not seen that many online filers jumping ahead of paper filers(maybe 1 or 2 so far here on VJ), so maybe it is a bit more normal and fair here in Los Angeles, i guess probably because we have more applicants here than other cities, and USCIS probably wants to avoid potential lawsuits or backlash/complaints, but it would be great that if they could just balance out the online and paper applications national wide. Had I known, i would have applied on line and take advantage of USCIS brokenness of the immigration system that leads to a super fast 400 approval!  

Edited November 5, 2017 by Zombie69

[IPv6Freely 64]

Online filters aren’t jumping ahead. Think about it. Behind the obvious aspect where online is more efficient, if they have 100,000 paper filers and 10,000 online filers in a month (absolutely no clue on numbers, just an example) and they process equal numbers of both, then of course the online filers will get done sooner. 

 

Think of it the other way around. The only way to make the timelines equal between paper and online filers would be to artificially slow down the online filing process which is certainly not fair either. 

[Zombie69 363]

17 minutes ago, IPv6Freely said:

Online filters aren’t jumping ahead. Think about it. Behind the obvious aspect where online is more efficient, if they have 100,000 paper filers and 10,000 online filers in a month (absolutely no clue on numbers, just an example) and they process equal numbers of both, then of course the online filers will get done sooner. 

 

Think of it the other way around. The only way to make the timelines equal between paper and online filers would be to artificially slow down the online filing process which is certainly not fair either. 

But the truth is they are jumping ahead of paper filers that is why we have so many applicants who say "I wish i had filed on line". It is against the notion of "In order in which applications are received". 

It is not "artificially" slowing down the online filers, it is "fairly" processing all applications in a fair matter.  It simply has to be fair for all applicants, so everyone will wait in line and get their fair share of months and months of waiting. Efficiency of applying on line is meant to make it efficient and easy for both applicants and USCIS to send and receive applications electronically, that "efficiency" should not be extended to 60 percent faster than normal processing times that leads to a faster naturalization. Once again, it should be about fairness.

Edited November 5, 2017 by Zombie69

[Jesse28 7]

1 hour ago, IPv6Freely said:

Online filters aren’t jumping ahead. Think about it. Behind the obvious aspect where online is more efficient, if they have 100,000 paper filers and 10,000 online filers in a month (absolutely no clue on numbers, just an example) and they process equal numbers of both, then of course the online filers will get done sooner. 

 

Think of it the other way around. The only way to make the timelines equal between paper and online filers would be to artificially slow down the online filing process which is certainly not fair either. 

 

1 hour ago, Zombie69 said:

But the truth is they are jumping ahead of paper filers that is why we have so many applicants who say "I wish i had filed on line". It is against the notion of "In order in which applications are received". 

It is not "artificially" slowing down the online filers, it is "fairly" processing all applications in a fair matter.  It simply has to be fair for all applicants, so everyone will wait in line and get their fair share of months and months of waiting. Efficiency of applying on line is meant to make it efficient and easy for both applicants and USCIS to send and receive applications electronically, that "efficiency" should not be extended to 60 percent faster than normal processing times that leads to a faster naturalization. Once again, it should be about fairness.

 

To clarify, the IO didn't say what month of online filers she was reviewing that day. I just happened to be a September filer filing on an over a 5-year residency. I'll have to agree with IPv6Freely that I don't think online filers are jumping ahead of papers filers just because it was done online. I got lucky that the field office I was assigned to is much smaller compared to the Los Angeles or the Santa Ana offices. It also don't think it would be fair to keep a file that passes all clearances waiting around until all prior filings are done in a different office. It would only create a bigger backlog. 

 

Anyways, i didn't mean to stir the debate of which one is faster. I just thought her comment was interesting and related to the original poster saying that it doesn't matter what type of filing you do since it varies by field office. 

[Zombie69 363]

18 minutes ago, Jesse28 said:

 

 

To clarify, the IO didn't say what month of online filers she was reviewing that day. I just happened to be a September filer filing on an over a 5-year residency. I'll have to agree with IPv6Freely that I don't think online filers are jumping ahead of papers filers just because it was done online. I got lucky that the field office I was assigned to is much smaller compared to the Los Angeles or the Santa Ana offices. It also don't think it would be fair to keep a file that passes all clearances waiting around until all prior filings are done in a different office. It would only create a bigger backlog. 

 

Anyways, i didn't mean to stir the debate of which one is faster. I just thought her comment was interesting and related to the original poster saying that it doesn't matter what type of filing you do since it varies by field office. 

All i can say is of all the 400 applicants who waited for 2 or 3 months to get the interview date are so far 100 percent online filers, especially in TX and FL, not one paper filer that applied around the same time has heard anything from USCIS except "being in line for interview". Of course it varies from office to office, but the pattern us clear, applying on line does give you a greater chance of getting the interview date early! For the people who submitted 400 on paper at the same time as the on line filers, they are ahead of their games. However, I do agree it really depends on how crowded a field office is. Some just get lucky, some don't. Especially the ones from big cities. I had a similar debate with IPV6 before, and he obviously applied on line and has gotten an interview date, but if he filed on paper, he would probably had a similar view as the many paper filers who wish they had applied on line. I wish I had obviously. I assume you applied on line, I can't speak for others, but it should be understandable for paper filers me or naturalizehope to feel certain frustrations with the above mentioned situation.

Edited November 5, 2017 by Zombie69

[IPv6Freely 64]

I don’t think there’s any question that online is faster. There’s no debate there. 

 

My point though is that it’s faster because... it’s faster... and not because they are being unfair and screwing people over. 

[Zombie69 363]

15 minutes ago, IPv6Freely said:

I don’t think there’s any question that online is faster. There’s no debate there. 

 

My point though is that it’s faster because... it’s faster... and not because they are being unfair and screwing people over. 

Obviouly. Nobody is saying USCIS is intentionally trying to screw people over, but just because USCIS' not intentionally making it unfair doesn't mean it is fair. It is certainly a flaw that deviates from how USCIS would normally process given the the usual normal processing times. Oh well, I wish I had applied on line too like many paper filers, but nothing I can do now, just have to wait for another 6 or 7 months, it will be our turn eventually. Congrats to your early interview date.

Edited November 5, 2017 by Zombie69

[BigK 5]

Hey, I got this email today from ELISdonotreply@uscis.dhs.gov that my case has been updated but when I logged on, there is nothing new. Is there a delay in updates to show up on site and email comes earlier?

 

Thanks,

Khawar

 

Following is the message I got about 2 hours ago....

 

USCIS has taken action on your application, petition or request and updated your account.  Please access your account to view the update.

https://myaccount.uscis.dhs.gov/

This e-mail message cannot be used as evidence of status or to procure an immigration benefit.

Please be aware that this update might require your immediate attention.

If you have any questions, please contact customer service at (800) 375-5283 or (800) 767-1833 (TTY) for assistance.

PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE

 

 

[IPv6Freely 64]

8 minutes ago, BigK said:

Hey, I got this email today from ELISdonotreply@uscis.dhs.gov that my case has been updated but when I logged on, there is nothing new. Is there a delay in updates to show up on site and email comes earlier?

 

Thanks,

Khawar

 

Following is the message I got about 2 hours ago....

 

USCIS has taken action on your application, petition or request and updated your account.  Please access your account to view the update.

https://myaccount.uscis.dhs.gov/

This e-mail message cannot be used as evidence of status or to procure an immigration benefit.

Please be aware that this update might require your immediate attention.

If you have any questions, please contact customer service at (800) 375-5283 or (800) 767-1833 (TTY) for assistance.

PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE

 

 

Normal. Give it a couple days

[Camelot13 63]

My husband and I are awaiting his n-400 approval because we're planning an overseas move and need to finalize the citizenship before that. We're pretty much ready to go and are just waiting for this and trying to figure out when to put our house up for sale. Waiting to move for an extra 6 months and knowing we could have had a much sooner finalization to this process is frustrating. I'm not blaming online filers though, just the lack of distinction at the time of applying that online filing would result in such a difference in speed. 

[Zombie69 363]

44 minutes ago, Camelot13 said:

My husband and I are awaiting his n-400 approval because we're planning an overseas move and need to finalize the citizenship before that. We're pretty much ready to go and are just waiting for this and trying to figure out when to put our house up for sale. Waiting to move for an extra 6 months and knowing we could have had a much sooner finalization to this process is frustrating. I'm not blaming online filers though, just the lack of distinction at the time of applying that online filing would result in such a difference in speed. 

Exactly. You are not alone feeling this way. Totally agreed. Wish you the best.

Edited November 6, 2017 by Zombie69

[BigK 5]

2 hours ago, IPv6Freely said:

Normal. Give it a couple days

Thank you. I will keep monitoring it (as I always do every day, lol)

[thepeeeeej 33]

I'm going to echo the sentiment that most paper filers feel, I wish I had filed online. My friend who filed online on 09/16, ten days after me, has an interview scheduled on 12/12. We are both in Los Angeles filing under the 5-year residency. The only reason I can think of why his application was processed faster is because his GC year is 2011 while mine is 2012. I'm hoping that the USCIS gods will schedule me for an interview soon just like my friend but it looks like LA paper filers have been stuck in "in line" for at least 3 months before actually getting an interview date. Actually, some who have applied since February still don't have an interview scheduled. The only consolation I see from this is knowing that at least, LA field office processing is moving.

[Zombie69 363]

1 minute ago, thepeeeeej said:

I'm going to echo the sentiment that most paper filers feel, I wish I had filed online. My friend who filed online on 09/16, ten days after me, has an interview scheduled on 12/12. We are both in Los Angeles filing under the 5-year residency. The only reason I can think of why his application was processed faster is because his GC year is 2011 while mine is 2012. I'm hoping that the USCIS gods will schedule me for an interview soon just like my friend but it looks like LA paper filers have been stuck in "in line" for at least 3 months before actually getting an interview date. Actually, some who have applied since February still don't have an interview scheduled. The only consolation I see from this is knowing that at least, LA field office processing is moving.

I filed mine on paper as well and have been in line for interview since 9/28. I guess on line filers in Los Angeles also could benefit from on line filing. It should be understandable for paper filers to feel frustrated. I just wish some on line filers(a minorty of them)here at least could be a bit understanding or sensitive about paper filers' situations, and not just take things for granted and be like "Oh well, it is what it is, nothing unfair about it". I am sure the majority of the online filers here are understanding and supportive, but at least the silver lining is maybe the LA office is moving at least. Good luck to you. Hope for the best.

[altito 63]

2 hours ago, Zombie69 said:

I filed mine on paper as well and have been in line for interview since 9/28. I guess on line filers in Los Angeles also could benefit from on line filing. It should be understandable for paper filers to feel frustrated. I just wish some on line filers(a minorty of them)here at least could be a bit understanding or sensitive about paper filers' situations, and not just take things for granted and be like "Oh well, it is what it is, nothing unfair about it". I am sure the majority of the online filers here are understanding and supportive, but at least the silver lining is maybe the LA office is moving at least. Good luck to you. Hope for the best.

I am an online filer, and my status has not changed in almost 2 months (Sep 18, we reviewed your biometrics). I do not believe online filers are processed faster.

I think It depends on several factors:

1. Field office processing times according to its workload. (San Francisco office is backlogged - On average 11 months processing times)

2. Citizenship eligibility (I applied on my 90 day window period prior to my real date of eligibility Nov 29). It is reasonable that someone who filed N-400 later than me, but is already eligible, gets the "in line for interview" status -or the interview date- earlier, no matter the filing way he/she opted for.

3. Combo process with I-751. Feewise, it may seen illogical/unfair not having a green card after being fingerprinted and payed that much money, but in the long run the goal is to get the citizenship, and doing a combo process is  a way of resources optimization.

 

On the other hand, as long as we get the I-551 stamp to travel and work, we are still holding our permanent resident status. I would be really worry if I did not get it when I need it. As far as the N-400 concerns, although the await is tedious, long and sometimes frustrating, I see no problem at all, because my status remains the same than 3 years ago, with no restrictions. Legit personal motivation, as your own special situation for your husband´s age, is totally understandable.