Bio-metrics Vacuum in 2018

[Tom and SooGyeong 87]

I am noticing a vacuum on the Bio-metrics column of those of us whose I-751 has an NOA date in 2018.  I have daily logged on and opened the Immigration Timelines tab, followed by the Lifting Conditions Timeline Tab (bottom left of the page), enabled advanced mode, selected CSC, and pressed [FIND], and then sorted by NOA date. I then clip the data out and drop it into an Excel file for sorting. I add columns between the action lines, and then insert formulas into those columns to audit the dates posted left and right, and post the number of days between. I always delete the anomalies. I can then insert formulas at the bottom of my inserted counter columns, and filter search for the shortest times, longest times and average times. The results are encouraging if only looking at the latter half of 2017. The average days between a petitioning couple's NOA and Bio-metrics appointment date is only 22 days. Those who posted additional information reveal that they receive their NOA letter about 1 week after filing, and their bio-metrics appointment letter about 6 days prior to their actual Bio date. So, their wait and action procedure has been file, wait a week, receive NOA letter, wait a week, receive Bio letter, wait a week, go to bio appointment. After that, they are in the general pool of thousands who will be waiting on average about 16 to 17 months for final approval. Back in early 2016, the process time was only about 6 months total, but has ballooned to nearly 3 times as long. The really disheartening part for us, is that of all of the I-751 petitions that went to CSC this year, only one is reporting a Bio-metrics appointment. For those who were first in line this year, with a NOA of January 2nd, today (2-25-18) is day 54, and still no Bio Appointments. Are they all on strike out at CSC, or what? Granted, this is a small blip in the overall 17-month wait, unless this is a scaled slowdown that will again triple the wait time. It's a bit depressing that in an age of electronic instantaneous everything, this paper-trail process is this abysmally slow. Back in the day when EVERYTHING was done on paper, it was a Hundred Times Faster. I will note, however, that my earlier question about the people at CSC possibly being on strike was tongue-in-cheek... we know at least ONE person is on duty and active.... the one in charge of opening the packets and gathering the checks we all sent. They processed those with Blistering speed. 

Edited February 26, 2018 by Tom and SooGyeong
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