WHY?

[Aymerlu 3]

I can say for sure that this time of waiting since the interview and being on AP has been the very hardest part of this whole journey!! We are coming up to four months now and still nothing!! Even when I call DOS they have something different to say every time, but none of it is the news that checks are complete and the visa will be issued. In fact, when I called yesterday the lady told me that she could not see that any checks had even been requested from DOS. She said that she was going to email her supervisor to do an inquiry about the status and what type of AP was being done, but also she told me that all she could do was send her the email and that she could not say what the supervisor would do with the information. Sooooooo, just another frustrating piece of information to make me feel like screaming and pulling all my hair out with the frustration of this whole AP thing.

I have good days and bad days, some days I can say it will happen, just have patience.....and other days I feel like I could run screaming and yelling at anyone who will listen about this whole situation.

Doesn't that just make you want to scream?!?!? I finally limited myself to calling them once a month.....that way I would have at least one guarnteed day per month for a major melt down. I don't think they know what they're doing sometimes either. Maybe that's why they work so well with Cairo.

[doodlebug 3]

In fact, when I called yesterday the lady told me that she could not see that any checks had even been requested from DOS.

After all that time to hear that I'd be absolutely LIVID. LIVID.

[ya falaha! 0]

DOS is famous for giving different stories each time you call. Becky, I wouldn't worry about it yet. Your AP is still within "normal" limits. I was told on one occasion that checks were requested on x date then requested again on y date because they didn't receive a reply. Meaning the checks were requested but no one actually did anything with that request. Mo's interview was on 12/6 and the case arrived at DOS on 12/15. I'm not sure when checks actually started but they were requested AGAIN on Jan. 9 then again the beginning of Feb. The checks were complete on Feb. 20 and visa was issued on April 11. Looking at timelines out of Cairo, AP seems to take 4-5 mos. on average. It's frustrating as all get out, I know. Cairo requires a LOT of patience.

[m&n 0]

When a case is sent to DOS for AP, is the case with all of the documents physically mailed over to Washington or do they just send the beneficiary's name electronically for namechecks to take place?

Also, if Becky's case is at DOS, then doesn't that mean that security checks have to be taking place......why else would the case be there if there were no checks ordered......I just don't get why they'd tell her that they don't know whether or not checks were even requested.

[LaL 418]

When a case is sent to DOS for AP, is the case with all of the documents physically mailed over to Washington or do they just send the beneficiary's name electronically for namechecks to take place?

Also, if Becky's case is at DOS, then doesn't that mean that security checks have to be taking place......why else would the case be there if there were no checks ordered......I just don't get why they'd tell her that they don't know whether or not checks were even requested.

Checks are ordered through electronic cables. I don't think there is much in a ways of really understanding why you are told different things on different days. All of us have been told conflicting news throughout the AR process.

[Visa4habibi! 0]

"But why do people in Morocco have their AR/P done in about a week to two weeks on average from this board anyways and Egypt is on average 4 to 5 months? It makes absolutely no sense to me."

Oh, really, doodle? I wish it was true! Just look at my signature plz!

I know you're talking probably about AP in the country of interview, but whatever this wait is called, is getting on my nerves!

[mybackpages 0]

Admin Review/Processing is done after the interview because if they are found ineligible for the visa in the first place (based on the intervew), there would be no reason to waste resources to conduct such a lengthy review.

But why do people in Morocco have their AR/P done in about a week to two weeks on average from this board anyways and Egypt is on average 4 to 5 months? It makes absolutely no sense to me.

I do hope you get a response but the negative voice in my mind is telling me they'll just spew out some nonsense and not look into it at all.

It really makes me sick to think that it's going to take my husband another two to three weeks to complete his pckt 3 on top of everything else. Sorry just venting out loud here!!! It wouldn't bother me as much if I thought the AR/AP would take maximum of a month.

Like Laura said, much of what we say is only speculation, but my guess is it has something to do with the large difference in the number of visas Egypt processes compared with Morocco AND the odds of Moroccan names being less likely to get name hits in the database. I am sure its not that simple though and there are otehr components that are also adding to the differnce.

[deemabrouk 0]

Its hard to do when you have an obsessive/complusive Egyptian on the other end foaming at the mouth every day.

hahaa.. maybe this is a egyptian trait

[doodlebug 3]

"But why do people in Morocco have their AR/P done in about a week to two weeks on average from this board anyways and Egypt is on average 4 to 5 months? It makes absolutely no sense to me."

Oh, really, doodle? I wish it was true! Just look at my signature plz!

I know you're talking probably about AP in the country of interview, but whatever this wait is called, is getting on my nerves!

I said "on average". Plus isn't your case a little different in that it was sent back? I think we're talking about the pure AR/AP process that happens after the interview. I would imagine the consulate returning a petition would put a whole new curve into the timeline.

[Sofiyya 1,687]

It helps to know what AP involves:

Understanding the Immigration Security Process

Homeland Security fact sheet explains security checks for immigration benefit applicants

An explanation of the immigration security check system was issued by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services April 25 in response to some applicant frustration about delays in the process.

All applicants for a U.S. immigration benefit are subject to criminal and national security background checks to ensure they are eligible for that benefit. The agency acknowledges a small number of delays, but assures the public they are not based on race, ethnicity, religion or national origin.

For related information, see Visas, Passports and Immigration.

The text of the fact sheet follows:

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Fact Sheet

April 25, 2006

Immigration Security Checks—How and Why the Process Works

Background

All applicants for a U.S. immigration benefit are subject to criminal and national security background checks to ensure they are eligible for that benefit. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Federal agency that oversees immigration benefits, performs checks on every applicant, regardless of ethnicity, national origin or religion.

Since 2002, USCIS has increased the number and scope of relevant background checks, processing millions of security checks without incident. However, in some cases, USCIS customers and immigrant advocates have expressed frustration over delays in processing applications, noting that individual customers have waited a year or longer for the completion of their adjudication pending the outcome of security checks. While the percentage of applicants who find their cases delayed by pending background checks is relatively small, USCIS recognizes that for those affected individuals, the additional delay and uncertainty can cause great anxiety. Although USCIS cannot guarantee the prompt resolution of every case, we can assure the public that applicants are not singled out based on race, ethnicity, religion, or national origin.

USCIS strives to balance the need for timely, fair and accurate service with the need to ensure a high level of integrity in the decision-making process. This fact sheet outlines the framework of the immigration security check process, explaining its necessity, as well as factors contributing to delays in resolving pending cases.

Why USCIS Conducts Security Checks

USCIS conducts security checks for all cases involving a petition or application for an immigration service or benefit. This is done both to enhance national security and ensure the integrity of the immigration process. USCIS is responsible for ensuring that our immigration system is not used as a vehicle to harm our nation or its citizens by screening out people who seek immigration benefits improperly or fraudulently. These security checks have yielded information about applicants involved in violent crimes, sex crimes, crimes against children, drug trafficking and individuals with known links to terrorism. These investigations require time, resources, and patience and USCIS recognizes that the process is slower for some customers than they would like. Because of that, USCIS is working closely with the FBI and other agencies to speed the background check process. However, USCIS will never grant an immigration service or benefit before the required security checks are completed regardless of how long those checks take.

How Immigration Security Checks Work

To ensure that immigration benefits are given only to eligible applicants, USCIS adopted background security check procedures that address a wide range of possible risk factors. Different kinds of applications undergo different levels of scrutiny. USCIS normally uses the following three background check mechanisms but maintains the authority to conduct other background investigations as necessary:

• The Interagency Border Inspection System (IBIS) Name Check— IBIS is a multi-agency effort with a central system that combines information from multiple agencies, databases and system interfaces to compile data relating to national security risks, public safety issues and other law enforcement concerns. USCIS can quickly check information from these multiple government agencies to determine if the information in the system affects the adjudication of the case. Results of an IBIS check are usually available immediately. In some cases, information found during an IBIS check will require further investigation. The IBIS check is not deemed completed until all eligibility issues arising from the initial system response are resolved.

• FBI Fingerprint Check—FBI fingerprint checks are conducted for many applications. The FBI fingerprint check provides information relating to criminal background within the United States. Generally, the FBI forwards responses to USCIS within 24-48 hours. If there is a record match, the FBI forwards an electronic copy of the criminal history (RAP sheet) to USCIS. At that point, a USCIS adjudicator reviews the information to determine what effect it may have on eligibility for the benefit. Although the vast majority of inquiries yield no record or match, about 10 percent do uncover criminal history (including immigration violations). In cases involving arrests or charges without disposition, USCIS requires the applicant to provide court certified evidence of the disposition. Customers with prior arrests should provide complete information and certified disposition records at the time of filing to avoid adjudication delays or denial resulting from misrepresentation about criminal history. Even expunged or vacated convictions must be reported for immigration purposes.

• FBI Name Checks—FBI name checks are also required for many applications. The FBI name check is totally different from the FBI fingerprint check. The records maintained in the FBI name check process consist of administrative, applicant, criminal, personnel and other files compiled by law enforcement. Initial responses to this check generally take about two weeks. In about 80 percent of the cases, no match is found. Of the remaining 20 percent, most are resolved within six months. Less than one percent of cases subject to an FBI name check remain pending longer than six months. Some of these cases involve complex, highly sensitive information and cannot be resolved quickly. Even after FBI has provided an initial response to USCIS concerning a match, the name check is not complete until full information is obtained and eligibility issues arising from it are resolved.

For most applicants, the process outlined above allows USCIS to quickly determine if there are criminal or security related issues in the applicant’s background that affect eligibility for immigration benefits. Most cases proceed forward without incident. However, due to both the sheer volume of security checks USCIS conducts, and the need to ensure that each applicant is thoroughly screened, some delays on individual applications are inevitable. Background checks may still be considered pending when either the FBI or relevant agency has not provided the final response to the background check or when the FBI or agency has provided a response, but the response requires further investigation or review by the agency or USCIS. Resolving pending cases is time-consuming and labor-intensive; some cases legitimately take months or even several years to resolve. Every USCIS District Office performs regular reviews of the pending caseload to determine when cases have cleared and are ready to be decided. USCIS does not share information about the records match or the nature or status of any investigation with applicants or their representatives.

Created: 03 May 2006 Updated: 03 May 2006

Source: http://usinfo.state.gov/gi/Archive/2006/May/04-878088.html

[Visa4habibi! 0]

"On average", I see about half of married people get 221(g) or more from Casa. My case might be different, but so are many many more of others before me and at the same time as me.

Anyway, if you think, Casa is great - I just told you, it's not! Maybe, comparing to Egipt... but there's cases that took 2,5 years in Morocco too...

Hope your case takes less time then mine! That's all.

[tnh9479 1]

Admin Review/Processing is done after the interview because if they are found ineligible for the visa in the first place (based on the intervew), there would be no reason to waste resources to conduct such a lengthy review.

But why do people in Morocco have their AR/P done in about a week to two weeks on average from this board anyways and Egypt is on average 4 to 5 months? It makes absolutely no sense to me.

I do hope you get a response but the negative voice in my mind is telling me they'll just spew out some nonsense and not look into it at all.

It really makes me sick to think that it's going to take my husband another two to three weeks to complete his pckt 3 on top of everything else. Sorry just venting out loud here!!! It wouldn't bother me as much if I thought the AR/AP would take maximum of a month.

Like Laura said, much of what we say is only speculation, but my guess is it has something to do with the large difference in the number of visas Egypt processes compared with Morocco AND the odds of Moroccan names being less likely to get name hits in the database. I am sure its not that simple though and there are otehr components that are also adding to the differnce.

This is just speculation on my part, but I believe the consulate in Morocco does not have the manpower to perform much in the way of Administrative Processing or Review. Either the beneficiary is approved and goes through a final name check for the visa OR the petition is sent back to the States. Notice that very few petitions are sent back from Egypt. They go through a lengthy review.

[mybackpages 0]

"On average", I see about half of married people get 221(g) or more from Casa. My case might be different, but so are many many more of others before me and at the same time as me.

Anyway, if you think, Casa is great - I just told you, it's not! Maybe, comparing to Egipt... but there's cases that took 2,5 years in Morocco too...

Hope your case takes less time then mine! That's all.

I just want to clarify something for noobs who come along looking for information about a spousal visa through Morocco. There is no data to support that 50% of married couples end up having their petition returned by the consulate. Lots of married couples receive the visa without problems

This is just speculation on my part, but I believe the consulate in Morocco does not have the manpower to perform much in the way of Administrative Processing or Review. Either the beneficiary is approved and goes through a final name check for the visa OR the petition is sent back to the States. Notice that very few petitions are sent back from Egypt. They go through a lengthy review.

ooh that might be a good point too. Each consulate has the power to set the guidelines for how they will handle cases (within the State department's broad guidelines of course). You might be onto something.

[aj1 1]

Tamara i just want to say that i understand what you are feeling, and how you are feeling. This process is definetly designed to test your love, patiece, and faith. If you believe in your love for each other that will get you through this, even though there are times that it is so so hard to look at it that way. I miss my fiance so much it hurts me more and more everyday I have not seen him in 16 months and we are now on A/P for 2 1/2 months even though there are others who have waited longer than me still it doesn't matter if A/P is only 1 month for everyone it is hard to wait 1 day without someone that you love. My patience are tested everyday. I pray alot and my love does also. We help each other when we are down. But i know in my heart we are going through this for a reason and in the end if i have to wait a few more months knowing i will have my love withe me for a lifetime then i will try my hardest to be more patient. Everything in life comes to an end sooner or later. There are times in our life when things are at there worst and become harder that in these times we must work harder to be patient because that means something good is about to happen sooner than we think. You are in my prayers and everyone who is waiting god willing we will all get through this and be reunited with our loved ones

AJ1

[~ Karima ~ 0]

But why do people in Morocco have their AR/P done in about a week to two weeks on average from this board anyways and Egypt is on average 4 to 5 months? It makes absolutely no sense to me.

Not everyone in Morocco is done in 1-2 weeks. Ours took 5 months!!!