Processing times changed again!

[Tristan1978 133]

When I first submitted my I-824 form at the NBC the "Estimated processing time" was 3 to 6 months, then when the new website / portal had been released the new time was 7.5 to 9.5 months and yesterday they were looking at cases from August 25th 2017 and I have checked this morning and it now says 9.5 to 12 months and looking at cases from June 2017!!!

 

What is going on!!???

[OptimusSpice 164]

What's going on is that our immigration system is a giant mess! No one who can do anything about it cares.  They get to cash our checks and use our fees without actually having any accountability for doing the work in a timely manner!  The only "help" available, the only "accountability" available only comes when a case is outside of "normal processing times" and that is a closed loop that is self determined by each office/each form.  It's not just I-824.  It's happening to all the forms at all the offices.  When we filed our I-601, we were told by the Consulate 4-6 months.  Then we checked when we got our receipt number and processing times were reported to be 8-12 months.  Now, they are 14-18 months.  It's ridiculous, but sadly, there is nothing that any of us can do but wait.  I've tried contacting the service center, the obudsman, my Congressional Rep for my district, and my State Senator.  NSC told me the same thing that I could read on the website - "you are within normal processing times.  There's nothing that you can do but wait".  The Obudsman said the same thing.  The Congressional Rep said the same thing.  And the most recent attempt to reach out - after this last update in further delayed processing times - to my Senator, has gone for weeks without even getting a reply!

 

We've moved/missed our wedding date 2 years in a row because of it (it was supposed to be 11/11/17 and with the new processing time delay, we won't hear anything until December 2018 at the earliest, if we are lucky - thus moving the 11/11/18 plans.  I've spent over $10,000 in travel fees so I could visit my fiance over the years since we started the entire immigration process, and one trip over with my children so we could actually spend time together as a family.  In so many ways, our lives are in limbo, just on hold, waiting while the knife twists - and there is not one thing that can be done about it.

 

I wish I could say something more positive, but it's the ugly truth of it.  The only thing to do is wait it out and hope (pray if that's your thing) that the delays don't continue to get longer and longer. 

 

I wish you luck on your journey and may all be well in the end for all of us

 

[Tristan1978 133]

24 minutes ago, OptimusSpice said:

What's going on is that our immigration system is a giant mess! No one who can do anything about it cares.  They get to cash our checks and use our fees without actually having any accountability for doing the work in a timely manner!  The only "help" available, the only "accountability" available only comes when a case is outside of "normal processing times" and that is a closed loop that is self determined by each office/each form.  It's not just I-824.  It's happening to all the forms at all the offices.  When we filed our I-601, we were told by the Consulate 4-6 months.  Then we checked when we got our receipt number and processing times were reported to be 8-12 months.  Now, they are 14-18 months.  It's ridiculous, but sadly, there is nothing that any of us can do but wait.  I've tried contacting the service center, the obudsman, my Congressional Rep for my district, and my State Senator.  NSC told me the same thing that I could read on the website - "you are within normal processing times.  There's nothing that you can do but wait".  The Obudsman said the same thing.  The Congressional Rep said the same thing.  And the most recent attempt to reach out - after this last update in further delayed processing times - to my Senator, has gone for weeks without even getting a reply!

 

We've moved/missed our wedding date 2 years in a row because of it (it was supposed to be 11/11/17 and with the new processing time delay, we won't hear anything until December 2018 at the earliest, if we are lucky - thus moving the 11/11/18 plans.  I've spent over $10,000 in travel fees so I could visit my fiance over the years since we started the entire immigration process, and one trip over with my children so we could actually spend time together as a family.  In so many ways, our lives are in limbo, just on hold, waiting while the knife twists - and there is not one thing that can be done about it.

 

I wish I could say something more positive, but it's the ugly truth of it.  The only thing to do is wait it out and hope (pray if that's your thing) that the delays don't continue to get longer and longer. 

 

I wish you luck on your journey and may all be well in the end for all of us

 

I think you've hit the nail on the head, all this living in limbo is making me physically sick and the most frustrating part is all they have to do is put my approved I-130 in an envelope and send it to the NVC! 

 

I too have had zero response from our senator and I have just sent a letter to our local congressman. I just hope something happens soon, all this not knowing is the worst part.

 

Good luck with your case! 

Edited June 1, 2018 by Tristan1978

[pushbrk 12,881]

25 minutes ago, Tristan1978 said:

I think you've hit the nail on the head, all this living in limbo is making me physically sick and the most frustrating part is all they have to do is put my approved I-130 in an envelope and send it to the NVC! 

 

I too have had zero response from our senator and I have just sent a letter to our local congressman. I just hope something happens soon, all this not knowing is the worst part.

 

Good luck with your case! 

If you want action from your Senator or Congressman, go to their local office and talk to the person there who deals with immigration issues.  They need your permission to take any action.  However, if you are within processing times, there's not really anything they can do to put you in front of others.

[Tristan1978 133]

17 minutes ago, pushbrk said:

If you want action from your Senator or Congressman, go to their local office and talk to the person there who deals with immigration issues.  They need your permission to take any action.  However, if you are within processing times, there's not really anything they can do to put you in front of others.

I have signed a permission form and sent it to my congressman. 

 

All I need is someone to put my approved I-130 in an envelope and send it to the NVC, I really can't understand why it takes so long? 

[Tristan1978 133]

Also, to "speed up the process" the USCIS originally transferred the I-824 from TSC to NBC.

 

But the TSC is showing 6 to 8 months and if it had stayed at Texas then I should be approved in the next month... so it hasn't done anything to speed up the process but actually double the time. 

[pushbrk 12,881]

22 minutes ago, Tristan1978 said:

I have signed a permission form and sent it to my congressman. 

 

All I need is someone to put my approved I-130 in an envelope and send it to the NVC, I really can't understand why it takes so long? 

You are waiting in line for service.  It's a long line.  Once it's your turn, it won't take long.

[Tristan1978 133]

1 minute ago, pushbrk said:

You are waiting in line for service.  It's a long line.  Once it's your turn, it won't take long.

Thanks for your input pushbrk, it's just a very bitter pill to swallow. 

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved from Process & Procedures to Progress Reports.

[Paul & Marina 53]

“I wish I could say something more positive”

This is the frustration for most of the couples.

 

One might see these as positive:

A. You have both found someone to love and who loves you back enough to make such a commitment.  

B. Your commitment is strong enough to make it through this arduous K1 Visa.

C. She has met your children.

D. You were able to spend 10k on travel and other K1 expenses.

 

Perhaps we can see past the frustration and realize there are also many good things.

 

May we all be successful in this great task we have chosen to undertake.

May we all raise a glass to those who took less time than us.

May we raise a glass to all those who approval has yet to come.

 

I personally wish Godspeed!! To all

 

 

 

 

 

[Diane and Chris 651]

20 hours ago, OptimusSpice said:

What's going on is that our immigration system is a giant mess! No one who can do anything about it cares.  They get to cash our checks and use our fees without actually having any accountability for doing the work in a timely manner!  The only "help" available, the only "accountability" available only comes when a case is outside of "normal processing times" and that is a closed loop that is self determined by each office/each form.  It's not just I-824.  It's happening to all the forms at all the offices.  When we filed our I-601, we were told by the Consulate 4-6 months.  Then we checked when we got our receipt number and processing times were reported to be 8-12 months.  Now, they are 14-18 months.  It's ridiculous, but sadly, there is nothing that any of us can do but wait.  I've tried contacting the service center, the obudsman, my Congressional Rep for my district, and my State Senator.  NSC told me the same thing that I could read on the website - "you are within normal processing times.  There's nothing that you can do but wait".  The Obudsman said the same thing.  The Congressional Rep said the same thing.  And the most recent attempt to reach out - after this last update in further delayed processing times - to my Senator, has gone for weeks without even getting a reply!

 

We've moved/missed our wedding date 2 years in a row because of it (it was supposed to be 11/11/17 and with the new processing time delay, we won't hear anything until December 2018 at the earliest, if we are lucky - thus moving the 11/11/18 plans.  I've spent over $10,000 in travel fees so I could visit my fiance over the years since we started the entire immigration process, and one trip over with my children so we could actually spend time together as a family.  In so many ways, our lives are in limbo, just on hold, waiting while the knife twists - and there is not one thing that can be done about it.

 

I wish I could say something more positive, but it's the ugly truth of it.  The only thing to do is wait it out and hope (pray if that's your thing) that the delays don't continue to get longer and longer. 

 

I wish you luck on your journey and may all be well in the end for all of us

 

I looked at your timeline and saw that you were denied at interview. You were then going to file I-601. Did you do that?  Is that what is taking so long for you?  Your original K-1 process looked like it took about 6 months. That doesn’t seem too long. Hope you hear something soon. 

[OptimusSpice 164]

There are positives in my life for sure - but when it comes to USCIS and the I-601 - no, I can't say I've seen anything even remotely close to justice or accountability or "positives". (though "having 10K to spend"...hahahaha...I didn't "have" it to spend - I've gone into debt, wiped out my savings, put off other things that needed the funds - it's been a hell of an additional hardship to "have 10K to spend").

 

Yes - We filed the I-601 immediately.  The receipt date is Oct 12, 2017.  Our K-1 went fine (until the denial where the Consular Officer said she was sorry she couldn't approve us, her hands were tied in this case because of the refusal of entry at LAX when he tried to visit, but that is another story of absolute hell for another time).  The I-601 has been a nightmare.  Yes it's a long line.  And 80% of that length is from 1 country, for deliberately violating immigration law and spitting in the face of everyone who did it legally.  Fraud, Misrepresentation, and Illegal Presence.  All from the Juarez office.  It wasn't easy finding those numbers, but enough digging into the annual reports issued by DHS, Obudsman, USCIS etc and that is what has been released.  My fiance did not chose to live a criminal lifestyle in violation of any nations laws hoping he never got caught.  He made a 1 time stupid choice 10 years ago as a 19 year old.  And when he was asked about it, he answered honestly.  He doesn't have a criminal record of any kind.  And usually the issue is waived on the spot at the discretion of the CO.  In our case, it couldn't be waived at the CO level because of the refusal of entry at LAX for the admission when questioned by the CBP Officer and thus needed to be formally waived by USCIS.  Yes, he has admitted to what consists of an inadmissible violation.  Okay.  We have done our part, paid our $930 filing fee. And we've watched as the USCIS has failed to have any accountability in the mismanagement of processing and inability to resolve the ever growing backlog.  

 

Then there is the I-601a - a form specifically designed for 1 purpose - Waiver of Unlawful Presence.  It is $300 cheaper, they DON'T have to be separated from their families, and it gets processed in 2.5-6 months.  I'm sorry  I'm struggling to see the justice in that.  Why can't they make a line for "waiver for immigration violations" and a line for "everything else".  We have done everything legally and honestly - and I get to watch as the line I'm in gets further and further delayed,  and those who have lied and tried to go around the system get rewarded.  I'm not trying to cut the line.  I'm not trying to get ahead of everyone else.  I just want to see some actual accountability for the USCIS backlog.  The fact that they can cash and spend my money but fail to provide the service in the time frame they said they would when they cashed that check.  I'm not even talking about providing an approval.  Just the adjudication.  What other institution in this country can sell you a service and fail to provided it in the time they said they would?  This isn't a small delay either.  It's not a change from 4-6 months to 8-12 only.  It's not just doubled.  It's doubled AGAIN - 14-18.5 months.  The consulate said 4-6, USCIS said 8-12....and without any accountability or statements of any kind - they move the dates to 14-18.5.  These people get to work from home, they get to kiss their partners, tuck in their kids, go on holiday - and get the task done whenever they feel like getting around to it.  They've been paid and the timeline is self established with zero accountability.  No one will touch you until you fall outside of their magic wall of "normal processing time" and THEY get to establish within their own closed loop what that time frame is.  How many years does the backlog have to grow before they decide to do something about it?  Raising the fees by 21% was supposed to help, but instead a year later - they are well and truly further behind than they were when they raised the fees and NO ONE ANYWHERE will give any response to WHY this is happening with the I-601.  You can find plenty of information on the I-601a though.  And that is a slap in the face, a twist of the knife.  I'm sorry, I don't see any justice in that.  Yes, it's made me angry.  Yes, it's changed me.  I spent a decade of my life serving others in disaster response and crisis relief - traveling to disaster areas to help strangers rebuild their lives, their homes.  Before that I served in the US Army.  I've spent my life in service to others, pouring love and compassion anywhere I could.  Now, I cry myself to sleep, barely hold down my food, and struggle to breathe through the pain of the distance, the ever present loss - the loss of time, of moments - the very things that make life worth living. Yes, I have my 4 sons - and they are a positive - being their mother helps me cope (but raising 4 boys on my own is often overwhelming).  I leave my heart and soul ripped to shreds on the airport floor every time I board the plane for the return trip.  I've read in the many forums and facebook discussions too much - too many people saying "It doesn't matter.  I'm justified in my actions because all that matters is me and my family.  No one is going to look out for me and mine, so I have to do every thing I can to put me and mine first - even if it hurts others to do so, even if it breaks the law to do so, even if it causes others to be delayed - I have to try." (actual statements made by others in this same "long line" I'm in).  I'm not sorry - that only turns my compassion into hate.  That selfish disregard for anyone other than themselves is the cancer that has bred in the fertile field of our disgusting mismanaged immigration system.  Our gov't is to blame for hosting the environment, but the blatant selfish disregard for the rule of law is the cancer that grows within it.  Feeling so powerless in the face of such gross mismanagement and injustice is infuriating.  They are taking time - days, weeks, months, years away from my family - and they don't care - we are simply numbers in a long line......checks to be cashed....over something that is legal in my state (I know, I know, Federal is what matters), happened 10 years ago, one time, and we had the integrity to be honest about it....

Edited June 2, 2018 by OptimusSpice

[OptimusSpice 164]

Sorry about the emotional rant - I did actually try to edit it to shorten it to something more positive but it said I couldn't edit the post.  I know better - don't ever hit "enter" unless you're sure you want it out there.  The encouraging words are good things.  And yes, one day this hell will end I and I will get to actually be with my life partner, my other half.  This won't beat us.  Of that I am sure.  And no, I'm not the only one feeling it, not the only one going through it.  It's just been a hell of a blow to check the processing times, because we are at our 8 months thinking our turn would be coming up between now and Oct, only to find out that no - the soonest we MIGHT hear anything is Dec.....IF it doesn't get pushed back again...another round of my sons birthdays (fall and winter babies), another Thanksgiving, another Christmas...having to watch my sons hug the computer, having to tell them - no, he's not going to be able to be here this year like we hoped.....it's just got me really really broken right now.

 

For the original topic - the question "What is going on?" ...it's a mess and no one knows why because they won't actually say anything but "normal processing times" and "just have to wait"

 

good luck for all on their journeys 

[nada93d 0]

On 02.06.2018 at 9:24 AM, OptimusSpice said:

There are positives in my life for sure - but when it comes to USCIS and the I-601 - no, I can't say I've seen anything even remotely close to justice or accountability or "positives". (though "having 10K to spend"...hahahaha...I didn't "have" it to spend - I've gone into debt, wiped out my savings, put off other things that needed the funds - it's been a hell of an additional hardship to "have 10K to spend").

 

Yes - We filed the I-601 immediately.  The receipt date is Oct 12, 2017.  Our K-1 went fine (until the denial where the Consular Officer said she was sorry she couldn't approve us, her hands were tied in this case because of the refusal of entry at LAX when he tried to visit, but that is another story of absolute hell for another time).  The I-601 has been a nightmare.  Yes it's a long line.  And 80% of that length is from 1 country, for deliberately violating immigration law and spitting in the face of everyone who did it legally.  Fraud, Misrepresentation, and Illegal Presence.  All from the Juarez office.  It wasn't easy finding those numbers, but enough digging into the annual reports issued by DHS, Obudsman, USCIS etc and that is what has been released.  My fiance did not chose to live a criminal lifestyle in violation of any nations laws hoping he never got caught.  He made a 1 time stupid choice 10 years ago as a 19 year old.  And when he was asked about it, he answered honestly.  He doesn't have a criminal record of any kind.  And usually the issue is waived on the spot at the discretion of the CO.  In our case, it couldn't be waived at the CO level because of the refusal of entry at LAX for the admission when questioned by the CBP Officer and thus needed to be formally waived by USCIS.  Yes, he has admitted to what consists of an inadmissible violation.  Okay.  We have done our part, paid our $930 filing fee. And we've watched as the USCIS has failed to have any accountability in the mismanagement of processing and inability to resolve the ever growing backlog.  

 

Then there is the I-601a - a form specifically designed for 1 purpose - Waiver of Unlawful Presence.  It is $300 cheaper, they DON'T have to be separated from their families, and it gets processed in 2.5-6 months.  I'm sorry  I'm struggling to see the justice in that.  Why can't they make a line for "waiver for immigration violations" and a line for "everything else".  We have done everything legally and honestly - and I get to watch as the line I'm in gets further and further delayed,  and those who have lied and tried to go around the system get rewarded.  I'm not trying to cut the line.  I'm not trying to get ahead of everyone else.  I just want to see some actual accountability for the USCIS backlog.  The fact that they can cash and spend my money but fail to provide the service in the time frame they said they would when they cashed that check.  I'm not even talking about providing an approval.  Just the adjudication.  What other institution in this country can sell you a service and fail to provided it in the time they said they would?  This isn't a small delay either.  It's not a change from 4-6 months to 8-12 only.  It's not just doubled.  It's doubled AGAIN - 14-18.5 months.  The consulate said 4-6, USCIS said 8-12....and without any accountability or statements of any kind - they move the dates to 14-18.5.  These people get to work from home, they get to kiss their partners, tuck in their kids, go on holiday - and get the task done whenever they feel like getting around to it.  They've been paid and the timeline is self established with zero accountability.  No one will touch you until you fall outside of their magic wall of "normal processing time" and THEY get to establish within their own closed loop what that time frame is.  How many years does the backlog have to grow before they decide to do something about it?  Raising the fees by 21% was supposed to help, but instead a year later - they are well and truly further behind than they were when they raised the fees and NO ONE ANYWHERE will give any response to WHY this is happening with the I-601.  You can find plenty of information on the I-601a though.  And that is a slap in the face, a twist of the knife.  I'm sorry, I don't see any justice in that.  Yes, it's made me angry.  Yes, it's changed me.  I spent a decade of my life serving others in disaster response and crisis relief - traveling to disaster areas to help strangers rebuild their lives, their homes.  Before that I served in the US Army.  I've spent my life in service to others, pouring love and compassion anywhere I could.  Now, I cry myself to sleep, barely hold down my food, and struggle to breathe through the pain of the distance, the ever present loss - the loss of time, of moments - the very things that make life worth living. Yes, I have my 4 sons - and they are a positive - being their mother helps me cope (but raising 4 boys on my own is often overwhelming).  I leave my heart and soul ripped to shreds on the airport floor every time I board the plane for the return trip.  I've read in the many forums and facebook discussions too much - too many people saying "It doesn't matter.  I'm justified in my actions because all that matters is me and my family.  No one is going to look out for me and mine, so I have to do every thing I can to put me and mine first - even if it hurts others to do so, even if it breaks the law to do so, even if it causes others to be delayed - I have to try." (actual statements made by others in this same "long line" I'm in).  I'm not sorry - that only turns my compassion into hate.  That selfish disregard for anyone other than themselves is the cancer that has bred in the fertile field of our disgusting mismanaged immigration system.  Our gov't is to blame for hosting the environment, but the blatant selfish disregard for the rule of law is the cancer that grows within it.  Feeling so powerless in the face of such gross mismanagement and injustice is infuriating.  They are taking time - days, weeks, months, years away from my family - and they don't care - we are simply numbers in a long line......checks to be cashed....over something that is legal in my state (I know, I know, Federal is what matters), happened 10 years ago, one time, and we had the integrity to be honest about it....

if it is possible could you pls share with me what number they put on your wife's passport 212a7 that u needed waiver?

we have the samw situation with husband , already 1,5 year separated, but i am not sure that i need waiver in the end.

thanks

[OptimusSpice 164]

There wasn't a number - it was just a box checked that was under a section titled "Waiver Process" that said "you are eligible to file a waiver".