August 2018 I-129F Filers

[Kowatti 189]

3 hours ago, Cheyla1224 said:

I don’t understand why they are approving cases of September if some cases of June July and August still show as received what’s the order ? I’m from August 3 and still waiting for approval and I see ppl from September ready for interview I just don’t get it .... so frustrated .

I feel your pain and frustration.  It's difficult for those of us who have been approved to say the right things or say something that will make you feel better.  I can only tell you what others said to me when I got frustrated, hang in there.  It cannot last forever.  Your day is coming when you will hear from USCIS.  I tried to keep myself busy while waiting & it helped a little bit.  I pray that you will hear something soon.  

[Prizm123 1,086]

3 hours ago, BenRowen said:

Me too....Every time I read of an approval on this forum my heart sinks.  I just don’t understand what’s taking so long  😞

I felt the same way. It's hard. All i can say is hang in there. It is hard to do it, and if it falls outside of normal processing times, call them, use the online methods to get in touch with them. I realized in our case, everything happened for a reason. It helps a little bit.

 

[Greenbaum 12,259]

For those of you have missed my posting of this information here it is again and it will try to answer "why are others before me are getting approved", " I just don’t understand what’s taking so long", "I don’t understand why they are approving cases of September if some cases of June, July and August still show as received; what’s the order?" etc. etc. etc.

 

WHY?

1. If you are really super curious about more details in the process check out this linked article that has a PDF with tons of detailed information regarding the background check process. It's quite fascinating and awesome, all the work law enforcement, DHS, DOS, NVC, USCIS does and there is literally nothing wrong with being curious about the work they do.  https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=8915 and PDF https://www.hsdl.org/?view&did=8915

 

2. As part of its benefits adjudication process and as required by law, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) conducts background checks on petitioners and applicants who seek certain immigration benefits. These background checks consist of four separate checks against systems within Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In order to facilitate the collection and transmission of information necessary to complete background check processes, USCIS maintains five information technology electronic systems: the Fingerprint Masthead Notification System (FMNS), the Customer Identity Capture System (CICS), the FD-258 Tracking System - Mainframe (FD-258 MF), the Benefits Biometrics Support System (BBSS), and the Interagency Border Inspection System (IBIS) Manifest. USCIS is conducting this privacy impact assessment (PIA) because FMNS, CICS, FD-258 MF, BBSS, and IBIS Manifest collect, use, and share personally identifiable information (PII). This PIA replaces the previously published USCIS PIA for the "Background Check Service (BCS)" which describes planned background check-related systems that were never implemented. Upon publication of this PIA, the BCS PIA will be retired.

 

Additional screening and background checks based on country of birth, citizenship, or residency in the “State Sponsors of Terrorism” (T-7) list: Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Sudan, Syria; or from the “List of 26”: Afghanistan, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE, Yemen. This is a mandatory stop list and allegedly takes 2 to 4 days, thanks in part to the partially rolled out PATRIOT (Pre-Adjudicated Threat Recognition and Intelligence Operations Team) system managed by ICE, but often take 3 to 6 weeks and if there is a hit who knows how long.

 

3. From USCIS: USCIS is committed to adjudicating immigration benefits in a timely manner while also ensuring public safety and national security. A small percentage of applications and petitions have unresolved background check issues that temporarily delay adjudication. Although USCIS makes every effort to resolve such cases promptly, USCIS is unable to speculate when the background check will be completed. 

 

If a background check reveals an issue that may impact an applicant’s eligibility for the requested immigration benefit, further inquiry is needed. The inquiry may include an additional interview and/or contact with another agency for updates or more comprehensive information. Upon gathering and assessing all available information, USCIS will adjudicate the application as quickly as possible. 

 

USCIS realizes that the constituent may be frustrated by the progress of their case. However, the agency must balance individual inconvenience against broader issues of public safety and national security.

 

4. From the visa petition stage to post-entry applications for immigration benefits, USCIS works closely with the U.S. Department of State (DOS), other U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) components, and other partners to ensure that those seeking to lawfully enter and remain in the United States are screened and vetted thoroughly at multiple points and by multiple agencies in accordance with laws and regulations.

 

Security and integrity are central to USCIS’ mission. In the course of applying to enter the United States, being admitted, and gaining lawful permanent resident status, the fiancé(e) of a U.S citizen will undergo four to five sets of comprehensive background and security checks. Each case is reviewed by multiple agencies. USCIS and our partners continually work together to enhance our tools and procedures for identifying those who threaten our homeland or attempt to gain benefits through fraud. For example, recognizing its potential value, USCIS is exploring an expansion of the use of social media as an additional vetting tool in the background and security check process.

 

From <https://www.uscis.gov/tools/resources-congress/testimonies-and-speeches/hearing-vows-visas-investigating-k-1-fiance-fraud-senate-committee-judiciary-march-15-2017>

 

https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/news/testimony/the-fbis-visa-name-check-process

 

Even thought this next information is rather old, it still gives you the proper outline on what takes place in background checks.

 

https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/privacy/privacy_pia_uscis_ibbcs.pdf

 

I know it really sucks to have waited so long, but the best way to get through this is to lower your expectations and try not to compare your timeline to anyone else's. Don't forget that the people here on Visa Journey represent a tiny percentage of all the petitions the CSC has to work through! When someone gets to your file you'll hear from them. Stay busy, talk a lot with your fiancé about non-visa stuff, don't forget to hang out with your friends, take up a new hobby, go to sporting events, and your time will come! Good luck

[sarahw907 47]

On 1/31/2019 at 8:00 PM, JMEngland said:

I'll pray for you. I'm a father so I empathize for your hubby during these times.

 

I prayed last night for a long time that the Lord step in and help us because I've just had so much going on in life lately that was just tearing me apart, bit by bit. Got informed delivery this morning, no letter, went on with my day hoping that tomorrow would be the day, as usual. Checked the mail while I was home on lunch, RFE was there. I've had informed delivery for years and it's never missed a piece... 

 

Moral of the story, have faith. 

Thank you for this reminder. I get so stressed and impatient and I have to remember ...calm and pray

[sarahw907 47]

I know it is all different but typically what is the turnaround time from rfe to approval lately......I'm just over here being impatient and trying to help my own mind😂😂

[SalishSea 17,653]

2 hours ago, Greenbaum said:

For those of you have missed my posting of this information here it is again and it will try to answer "why are others before me are getting approved", " I just don’t understand what’s taking so long", "I don’t understand why they are approving cases of September if some cases of June, July and August still show as received; what’s the order?" etc. etc. etc.

 

WHY?

1. If you are really super curious about more details in the process check out this linked article that has a PDF with tons of detailed information regarding the background check process. It's quite fascinating and awesome, all the work law enforcement, DHS, DOS, NVC, USCIS does and there is literally nothing wrong with being curious about the work they do.  https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&amp;did=8915 and PDF https://www.hsdl.org/?view&did=8915

 

2. As part of its benefits adjudication process and as required by law, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) conducts background checks on petitioners and applicants who seek certain immigration benefits. These background checks consist of four separate checks against systems within Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In order to facilitate the collection and transmission of information necessary to complete background check processes, USCIS maintains five information technology electronic systems: the Fingerprint Masthead Notification System (FMNS), the Customer Identity Capture System (CICS), the FD-258 Tracking System - Mainframe (FD-258 MF), the Benefits Biometrics Support System (BBSS), and the Interagency Border Inspection System (IBIS) Manifest. USCIS is conducting this privacy impact assessment (PIA) because FMNS, CICS, FD-258 MF, BBSS, and IBIS Manifest collect, use, and share personally identifiable information (PII). This PIA replaces the previously published USCIS PIA for the "Background Check Service (BCS)" which describes planned background check-related systems that were never implemented. Upon publication of this PIA, the BCS PIA will be retired.

 

Additional screening and background checks based on country of birth, citizenship, or residency in the “State Sponsors of Terrorism” (T-7) list: Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Sudan, Syria; or from the “List of 26”: Afghanistan, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE, Yemen. This is a mandatory stop list and allegedly takes 2 to 4 days, thanks in part to the partially rolled out PATRIOT (Pre-Adjudicated Threat Recognition and Intelligence Operations Team) system managed by ICE, but often take 3 to 6 weeks and if there is a hit who knows how long.

 

3. From USCIS: USCIS is committed to adjudicating immigration benefits in a timely manner while also ensuring public safety and national security. A small percentage of applications and petitions have unresolved background check issues that temporarily delay adjudication. Although USCIS makes every effort to resolve such cases promptly, USCIS is unable to speculate when the background check will be completed. 

 

If a background check reveals an issue that may impact an applicant’s eligibility for the requested immigration benefit, further inquiry is needed. The inquiry may include an additional interview and/or contact with another agency for updates or more comprehensive information. Upon gathering and assessing all available information, USCIS will adjudicate the application as quickly as possible. 

 

USCIS realizes that the constituent may be frustrated by the progress of their case. However, the agency must balance individual inconvenience against broader issues of public safety and national security.

 

4. From the visa petition stage to post-entry applications for immigration benefits, USCIS works closely with the U.S. Department of State (DOS), other U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) components, and other partners to ensure that those seeking to lawfully enter and remain in the United States are screened and vetted thoroughly at multiple points and by multiple agencies in accordance with laws and regulations.

 

Security and integrity are central to USCIS’ mission. In the course of applying to enter the United States, being admitted, and gaining lawful permanent resident status, the fiancé(e) of a U.S citizen will undergo four to five sets of comprehensive background and security checks. Each case is reviewed by multiple agencies. USCIS and our partners continually work together to enhance our tools and procedures for identifying those who threaten our homeland or attempt to gain benefits through fraud. For example, recognizing its potential value, USCIS is exploring an expansion of the use of social media as an additional vetting tool in the background and security check process.

 

From <https://www.uscis.gov/tools/resources-congress/testimonies-and-speeches/hearing-vows-visas-investigating-k-1-fiance-fraud-senate-committee-judiciary-march-15-2017>

 

https://archives.fbi.gov/archives/news/testimony/the-fbis-visa-name-check-process

 

Even thought this next information is rather old, it still gives you the proper outline on what takes place in background checks.

 

https://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/privacy/privacy_pia_uscis_ibbcs.pdf

 

I know it really sucks to have waited so long, but the best way to get through this is to lower your expectations and try not to compare your timeline to anyone else's. Don't forget that the people here on Visa Journey represent a tiny percentage of all the petitions the CSC has to work through! When someone gets to your file you'll hear from them. Stay busy, talk a lot with your fiancé about non-visa stuff, don't forget to hang out with your friends, take up a new hobby, go to sporting events, and your time will come! Good luck

Fascinating!  Thanks for compiling this, @Greenbaum

[Shiran 1,134]

11 hours ago, Brylie said:

When you say next embassy shipment goes out on the 5th and 6th...

are there only certain days they send them to the embassy’s?

Yes, roughly every 2 weeks. Mine went out Tuesday last week, no shipment this week, so Feb 5 there should be one.

[Kowatti 189]

15 minutes ago, Shiran said:

Yes, roughly every 2 weeks. Mine went out Tuesday last week, no shipment this week, so Feb 5 there should be one.

Thanks for letting us know.  I was wondering the same thing.

[JMEngland 438]

how often are shipments from USCIS to NVC? anyone know? seems like they would need to have some sort of schedule, but lately it seems like they have been taking forever to ship them out. 

[Mer and Matt 36]

19 minutes ago, Shiran said:

Yes, roughly every 2 weeks. Mine went out Tuesday last week, no shipment this week, so Feb 5 there should be one.

Can I ask you how you can see if your file is shipped?

thank you

[Celie 793]

42 minutes ago, JMEngland said:

how often are shipments from USCIS to NVC? anyone know? seems like they would need to have some sort of schedule, but lately it seems like they have been taking forever to ship them out. 

The lady i spoke to from uscis on friday told me they typically ship out the day after they are approved but looking at the timeframes here i think either she lied or NVC is overloaded and they sit in their office for weeks before they get to it.

[Blondie0216 93]

Does anyone have experience visiting their USA fiance for a month or more at a time while k1 visa is being processed? Is it a possibility or does Border services monitor our trips more closely? 

[Greenbaum 12,259]

1 hour ago, Mer and Matt said:

Can I ask you how you can see if your file is shipped?

thank you

Go here where all the information for the next steps are. I even answer those questions you haven't even thought of yet. Read the first post.

 

 

16 minutes ago, Blondie0216 said:

Does anyone have experience visiting their USA fiance for a month or more at a time while k1 visa is being processed? Is it a possibility or does Border services monitor our trips more closely? 

Nope, no problems. Go and visit and have fun.

[Greenbaum 12,259]

24 minutes ago, celie&joseph said:

The lady i spoke to from uscis on friday told me they typically ship out the day after they are approved but looking at the timeframes here i think either she lied or NVC is overloaded and they sit in their office for weeks before they get to it.

She's correct and so are you. They do sit until they can be processed.

[Greenbaum 12,259]

1 hour ago, JMEngland said:

how often are shipments from USCIS to NVC? anyone know? seems like they would need to have some sort of schedule, but lately it seems like they have been taking forever to ship them out. 

Go to the below post I made just for questions like the one you just asked.

 

Edited February 3, 2019 by Greenbaum