N-400 April 2020 Filers

[MJS2020 17]

1 hour ago, Decent80 said:

What is the wait time?

 

About 9 months. I don’t think it really takes COVID-19 into account... So realistically more.

[PP_2016 246]

18 hours ago, Alexabbas334 said:

So I noticed on my NOA that it does not mention anything about Fingerprinting?! IT states that upon receipt of required record checks you will be scheduled to appear for an interview at your local USCIS field office. Is this normal? 

My NOA1 clearly mentions fingerprints in the next steps. Seems they are sending different Noa for different cases.

[millefleur 5,046]

Hey guys, I just got back from moving to another state and my husband's case shows this update now:

 

May 5, 2020

We transferred your application to another USCIS field office for review

You do not need to do anything at this time

View your letter on your documents tab for an explanation on why we transferred your application.

Note: It may take up to a few days for your letter to show on your documents tab.

 

Interestingly the estimated wait time is still listed as 5 months. I'm expecting that to change once the new field office gets the case.

[Scandi 4,154]

44 minutes ago, millefleur said:

Hey guys, I just got back from moving to another state and my husband's case shows this update now:

 

May 5, 2020

We transferred your application to another USCIS field office for review

You do not need to do anything at this time

View your letter on your documents tab for an explanation on why we transferred your application.

Note: It may take up to a few days for your letter to show on your documents tab.

 

Interestingly the estimated wait time is still listed as 5 months. I'm expecting that to change once the new field office gets the case.

That was quick, they transferred immediately. Well it's always nice to see an update like that after a move, then you feel a little more "safe" that your case won't end up at your old field office and that it'll cause a delay.

 

I don't trust the estimated wait time right now either way, I'm sure all of us will see big changes even if we have or haven't moved. This is such a messed up time to go through an immigration process.

[Alexabbas334 17]

By any chance do you know how long are fingerprints valid for? 

[Alexabbas334 17]

On 5/9/2020 at 10:12 AM, PP_2016 said:

Thanks for your response. Yeh I am not sure why I recieved a different one?! 

 

 

My NOA1 clearly mentions fingerprints in the next steps. Seems they are sending different Noa for different cases.

 

[Alexabbas334 17]

Here is a what my NOA states! 

[Puppy Popcorn 7]

Hi everyone 😊

I just joined this forum after I couldn’t find an answer online.

I’m about to submit my N-400 online but I also want to file the G-1145 (E-notification of Applicant/Petition Acceptance).  Does anyone know if there is a way to submit the G-1145 online?

I know that you can print the G-1145 and attach it with your package but that’s only if you’re applying by mail.

 

 

[Scandi 4,154]

1 hour ago, Puppy Popcorn said:

Hi everyone 😊

I just joined this forum after I couldn’t find an answer online.

I’m about to submit my N-400 online but I also want to file the G-1145 (E-notification of Applicant/Petition Acceptance).  Does anyone know if there is a way to submit the G-1145 online?

I know that you can print the G-1145 and attach it with your package but that’s only if you’re applying by mail.

 

 

You can only use the g-1145 for lockboxes. Meaning paper filed petitions that are sent to lockboxes.

 

Not sure why you feel the need for it if you file online anyway. You just log into your account to check your case, and you can change the settings to get notified by text and/or email.

[Puppy Popcorn 7]

38 minutes ago, Scandi said:

You can only use the g-1145 for lockboxes. Meaning paper filed petitions that are sent to lockboxes.

 

Not sure why you feel the need for it if you file online anyway. You just log into your account to check your case, and you can change the settings to get notified by text and/or email.

Aha! Thank you Scandi 😀 

I knew that the G-1145 would notify you when your documents were received, I didn't know you could change your online setting to do the same. Thank you!

[Thelord 42]

District Court of Wyoming is conducting the naturalization ceremony with social distancing as of now and they are streaming it live:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b__BkARfAYo

 

this is very good and hope other states follow the same path.

 

I was looking at the USCIS website here https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/uscis-response-covid-19  with regards to the biometerics:

 

• While biometric services (or other authorized collection sites) are temporarily suspended and/or operations are at reduced capacity, USCIS will reuse biometrics that were previously captured at the initial USCIS in-person appointment under certain circumstances and only when specific requirements are met. USCIS will reuse biometrics if:
  1. USCIS is otherwise ready to adjudicate the open application, petition, or benefit request but cannot proceed solely due to the lack of current biometrics;
  2. The individual previously submitted fingerprints and a photograph at an ASC (or other authorized collection site);
  3. There is an exact A-file number, name, and date of birth match between the pending filing and the previous filing from which the biometrics were collected; and the individual:
     • a) Was scheduled for an ASC appointment that was canceled since the temporary closure of ASCs on March 18, 2020,
     • b) Is unable to schedule an ASC appointment (or appointment for biometrics collection at an embassy or consulate, where applicable); or
     • c) Filed a benefit request with an associated biometrics requirement after March 18, 2020.

If these requirements are met, a biometrics appointment is not required. This will remain in effect during the COVID-19 pandemic and will automatically expire on Sept. 1, 2020, unless expressly extended by the USCIS deputy director for policy.

 

---

so am I interpreting this correctly that USCIS don't need to schedule a biometric appointment for me given:

 

1. assuming USCIS is ready to adjudicate my case 

2. I submitted my fingerprints and photograph to USCIS field office 5 years ago for the I-485 adjustment of status application (green card)

3. My A-file number, name, and date of birth match exactly the 5 years ago's I-485 application, and

3.c. I filed after March 18, 2020 (I filed in April 2020)

 

the above rule is valid until September 1, 2020. So if the case is adjudicated before that time I would not need a biometric appointment but if the case is adjudicated after September 1, 2020 then I will need a biometric appointment for my naturalization application. am I reading this correctly?

 

Edited May 11, 2020 by Thelord

[Scandi 4,154]

1 hour ago, Thelord said:

District Court of Wyoming is conducting the naturalization ceremony with social distancing as of now and they are streaming it live:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b__BkARfAYo

 

this is very good and hope other states follow the same path.

 

I was looking at the USCIS website here https://www.uscis.gov/about-us/uscis-response-covid-19  with regards to the biometerics:

 

• While biometric services (or other authorized collection sites) are temporarily suspended and/or operations are at reduced capacity, USCIS will reuse biometrics that were previously captured at the initial USCIS in-person appointment under certain circumstances and only when specific requirements are met. USCIS will reuse biometrics if:
  1. USCIS is otherwise ready to adjudicate the open application, petition, or benefit request but cannot proceed solely due to the lack of current biometrics;
  2. The individual previously submitted fingerprints and a photograph at an ASC (or other authorized collection site);
  3. There is an exact A-file number, name, and date of birth match between the pending filing and the previous filing from which the biometrics were collected; and the individual:
     • a) Was scheduled for an ASC appointment that was canceled since the temporary closure of ASCs on March 18, 2020,
     • b) Is unable to schedule an ASC appointment (or appointment for biometrics collection at an embassy or consulate, where applicable); or
     • c) Filed a benefit request with an associated biometrics requirement after March 18, 2020.

If these requirements are met, a biometrics appointment is not required. This will remain in effect during the COVID-19 pandemic and will automatically expire on Sept. 1, 2020, unless expressly extended by the USCIS deputy director for policy.

 

---

so am I interpreting this correctly that USCIS don't need to schedule a biometric appointment for me given:

 

1. assuming USCIS is ready to adjudicate my case 

2. I submitted my fingerprints and photograph to USCIS field office 5 years ago for the I-485 adjustment of status application (green card)

3. My A-file number, name, and date of birth match exactly the 5 years ago's I-485 application, and

3.c. I filed after March 18, 2020 (I filed in April 2020)

 

the above rule is valid until September 1, 2020. So if the case is adjudicated before that time I would not need a biometric appointment but if the case is adjudicated after September 1, 2020 then I will need a biometric appointment for my naturalization application. am I reading this correctly?

 

In my opinion, you will likely have a biometrics appointment for your N-400.

 

1. It seem to have been many years since you had a biometrics appointment last time (unlike those who filed for ROC and often had a biometrics appointment just a few months before becoming eligible to file the N-400)

 

and

 

2. the N-400 requires an interview. If they feel that they can start conducting interviews then they will also start collecting biometrics. They won't open up for interviews but not for biometrics, they will very likely go hand in hand.

 

I do believe there might be a good chance for some ROC filers to have their biometrics waived though. Solid ROC cases can easily be approved without an interview, so apparently they are able to make a decision without biometrics if that's all that is keeping them from making a decision.

[Scandi 4,154]

3 hours ago, Puppy Popcorn said:

Aha! Thank you Scandi 😀 

I knew that the G-1145 would notify you when your documents were received, I didn't know you could change your online setting to do the same. Thank you!

If you file online your application is received immediately after you pay the fee, so there is no need for any notifications for that part. Changing the settings to get texts for all other updates is a nice feature to use though.

 

You will also be able to see the NOA1 hardcopy on your online account a day or two after filing. Then a week later you will also receive it in your mailbox.

Edited May 11, 2020 by Scandi

[Thelord 42]

20 minutes ago, Scandi said:

In my opinion, you will likely have a biometrics appointment for your N-400.

 

1. It seem to have been many years since you had a biometrics appointment last time (unlike those who filed for ROC and often had a biometrics appointment just a few months before becoming eligible to file the N-400)

 

and

 

2. the N-400 requires an interview. If they feel that they can start conducting interviews then they will also start collecting biometrics. They won't open up for interviews but not for biometrics, they will very likely go hand in hand.

 

I do believe there might be a good chance for some ROC filers to have their biometrics waived though. Solid ROC cases can easily be approved without an interview, so apparently they are able to make a decision without biometrics if that's all that is keeping them from making a decision.

Regarding the timing of the previous biometrics, USCIS did not provide a cut off date that would invalidate the previous biometrics. as long as your name, your date of birth and your A-number matches exactly with the previous USCIS case that collected your biometrics then you satisfy the requirement. 

 

Regarding the interview actually that's a good point that eventually it is required and cannot be waived. But, maybe they do this to reduce the public load on the field offices so they can conduct interviews with social distancing. In any case, the fingerprints taken 5 years ago is as good as fingerprints taken now (it never changes that's the whole point). But for the photos if they need an updated picture happy to send one  

 

In other word, my understanding is as long as my interview can happen during July and August 2020 (before September 1, 2020) then there is no need for me to do a new biometrics.

Edited May 11, 2020 by Thelord

[DavidX 40]

1 hour ago, Scandi said:

I do believe there might be a good chance for some ROC filers to have their biometrics waived though. Solid ROC cases can easily be approved without an interview, so apparently they are able to make a decision without biometrics if that's all that is keeping them from making a decision.

 

Although, Yanisa didn't need to do an ROC interview, we did have to fly over to Honolulu for biometrics for her ROC. I remember you explaining that biometrics were only good for 18 months when we were wondering if they would be able to reuse the ones from AOS for ROC.

 

Yeah, I understand this is different.

 

-David