Waiting for a NOA2 from VSC for your I-129F?

[amrssnowangel 0]

check this out..........

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...0004718190aRCRD

They ACTUALLY gave information for the RECEIPTING DELAYS!!! Now I assume this affects us in some way as well. If you notice in the question about how it affects a petition..it states SPECIFICALLY that it CAN delay their petition being worked UP TO 15 weeks!!!! And we think WE have it bad?? Imagine waiting for our NOA1 alone for up to 15 weeks??? Also, they clarify HOW they will handle this backlog...by pulling resources from other areas...maybe OUR area to???? While this IS a nightmare...its nice to see they are giving some info...I think this clears up WHY we are waiting so long and why they seemed to stall.

They are in trouble with an overload of petitions that came in from H1's to those filing before the fee increase. Anyways...wanted to share..they ARE working obviously...but mis managed...what...they didn't anticipate an overflow of petitions from the fee increase??? DUHHHHHHHHHHHH

[John and Luda 0]

check this out..........

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...0004718190aRCRD

They ACTUALLY gave information for the RECEIPTING DELAYS!!! Now I assume this affects us in some way as well. If you notice in the question about how it affects a petition..it states SPECIFICALLY that it CAN delay their petition being worked UP TO 15 weeks!!!! And we think WE have it bad?? Imagine waiting for our NOA1 alone for up to 15 weeks??? Also, they clarify HOW they will handle this backlog...by pulling resources from other areas...maybe OUR area to???? While this IS a nightmare...its nice to see they are giving some info...I think this clears up WHY we are waiting so long and why they seemed to stall.

They are in trouble with an overload of petitions that came in from H1's to those filing before the fee increase. Anyways...wanted to share..they ARE working obviously...but mis managed...what...they didn't anticipate an overflow of petitions from the fee increase??? DUHHHHHHHHHHHH

Read the story below. They're hiring 200 people, excluding contractors for the VSC alone. There may not be an immediate impact from the new workers, but it's better than the status quo.

http://www.samessenger.com/index.php?optio...iew&id=1773

200 new INS jobs for St. Albans

Monday, 01 October 2007

Additional 100 positions for Williston, says Leahy

ST. ALBANS CITY –– St. Albans received a major economic boost today with the announcement that as many as 300 federal jobs will be added to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service Center’s (USCIS) Vermont facilities, 200 of them in St. Albans.

U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., made the announcement today in Burlington, during a press conference at the University of Vermont (UVM).

Leahy’s staff said Emilio T. Gonzalez, USCIS director, notified the senator of the expansion Thursday, via letter.

“Vermonters have built a solid work record, earning confidence in what we can do with bigger challenges,” Leahy said in a prepared statement issued Friday afternoon.

“These new jobs will ease strains in the immigration system and on workers in Vermont who have been facing a rising workload,” the senator said. “This is a good day for Vermont’s economy and a vote of confidence in Vermont’s workforce.”

In his letter to Leahy, Gonzalez wrote that 1,500 new federal positions would be created in fiscal year 2008 to “enhance service delivery by providing more efficient and customer-oriented immigration and naturalization benefits processing.”

Gonzalez said that of those 1,500 jobs, 300 would come to Vermont. Leahy staff member confirmed that 200 of those jobs would come to St. Albans City, and the rest would go to the Williston facility.

Additionally, the Vermont centers can expect to see a higher complement of contracted worker to support the new positions, according to Gonzalez.

Leahy’s staff could not determine today just how many contracted workers were expected as part of the expansion.

Twenty new fraud detection and immigration officers also will be deployed to Vermont to detect combat immigration benefit fraud.

“Because the majority of immigration benefit fraud begins with the filing of an application or petition with USCIS, it is essential to identify suspect cases as early in the process as possible …,” Gonzalez wrote to Leahy.

On Aug. 1, 2007, the Office of Security and Integrity’s Personnel Security Division was reorganized. The result was a move to centralize all federal and contractor suitability adjudication functions in Burlington, to improve efficiencies and cycle time in the adjudication process.

The current Burlington staff consists of six federal employees and 34 contractors. That will increase to 25 additional federal workers and 15 new contractors in the Burlington area. Those new employees are expected to start by December.

Gonzalez also said the “… additional resources specifically being provided to the Vermont Service Center are required to address the need to reduce waiting periods associated with the determination of benefits, as well as provide for the relevant training required to equip adjudications personnel with the requisite knowledge and skills to timely and accurately process the substantial and complex workloads that are administered through the Vermont Service Center.”

Leahy’s office said the new jobs were the result of the department’s recent hike in adjudication fees – passports, visa applications, changes in status applications, green card applications, and other records.

The federal government is using the associated income to fund the new positions, according to Leahy’s office.

Liz Gamache, interim St. Albans City manager, first learned the news from the Messenger on Friday afternoon. She was thrilled and welcomed the expansion wholeheartedly.

Gamache said downtown businesses would benefit tremendously with more employees in the area.

“To say that the addition of these jobs is a significant boost to the economic vitality of St. Albans is an understatement,” Gamache said in a prepared statement. “This underscores the importance of developing and marketing the City of St. Albans to be an attractive prospect to employers.”

-- -- --

Emerson Lynn, Messenger publisher and editor, and Leon Thompson, staff writer, contributed to this report

[amrssnowangel 0]

check this out..........

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...0004718190aRCRD

They ACTUALLY gave information for the RECEIPTING DELAYS!!! Now I assume this affects us in some way as well. If you notice in the question about how it affects a petition..it states SPECIFICALLY that it CAN delay their petition being worked UP TO 15 weeks!!!! And we think WE have it bad?? Imagine waiting for our NOA1 alone for up to 15 weeks??? Also, they clarify HOW they will handle this backlog...by pulling resources from other areas...maybe OUR area to???? While this IS a nightmare...its nice to see they are giving some info...I think this clears up WHY we are waiting so long and why they seemed to stall.

They are in trouble with an overload of petitions that came in from H1's to those filing before the fee increase. Anyways...wanted to share..they ARE working obviously...but mis managed...what...they didn't anticipate an overflow of petitions from the fee increase??? DUHHHHHHHHHHHH

Read the story below. They're hiring 200 people, excluding contractors for the VSC alone. There may not be an immediate impact from the new workers, but it's better than the status quo.

http://www.samessenger.com/index.php?optio...iew&id=1773

200 new INS jobs for St. Albans

Monday, 01 October 2007

Additional 100 positions for Williston, says Leahy

ST. ALBANS CITY –– St. Albans received a major economic boost today with the announcement that as many as 300 federal jobs will be added to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service Center’s (USCIS) Vermont facilities, 200 of them in St. Albans.

U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., made the announcement today in Burlington, during a press conference at the University of Vermont (UVM).

Leahy’s staff said Emilio T. Gonzalez, USCIS director, notified the senator of the expansion Thursday, via letter.

“Vermonters have built a solid work record, earning confidence in what we can do with bigger challenges,” Leahy said in a prepared statement issued Friday afternoon.

“These new jobs will ease strains in the immigration system and on workers in Vermont who have been facing a rising workload,” the senator said. “This is a good day for Vermont’s economy and a vote of confidence in Vermont’s workforce.”

In his letter to Leahy, Gonzalez wrote that 1,500 new federal positions would be created in fiscal year 2008 to “enhance service delivery by providing more efficient and customer-oriented immigration and naturalization benefits processing.”

Gonzalez said that of those 1,500 jobs, 300 would come to Vermont. Leahy staff member confirmed that 200 of those jobs would come to St. Albans City, and the rest would go to the Williston facility.

Additionally, the Vermont centers can expect to see a higher complement of contracted worker to support the new positions, according to Gonzalez.

Leahy’s staff could not determine today just how many contracted workers were expected as part of the expansion.

Twenty new fraud detection and immigration officers also will be deployed to Vermont to detect combat immigration benefit fraud.

“Because the majority of immigration benefit fraud begins with the filing of an application or petition with USCIS, it is essential to identify suspect cases as early in the process as possible …,” Gonzalez wrote to Leahy.

On Aug. 1, 2007, the Office of Security and Integrity’s Personnel Security Division was reorganized. The result was a move to centralize all federal and contractor suitability adjudication functions in Burlington, to improve efficiencies and cycle time in the adjudication process.

The current Burlington staff consists of six federal employees and 34 contractors. That will increase to 25 additional federal workers and 15 new contractors in the Burlington area. Those new employees are expected to start by December.

Gonzalez also said the “… additional resources specifically being provided to the Vermont Service Center are required to address the need to reduce waiting periods associated with the determination of benefits, as well as provide for the relevant training required to equip adjudications personnel with the requisite knowledge and skills to timely and accurately process the substantial and complex workloads that are administered through the Vermont Service Center.”

Leahy’s office said the new jobs were the result of the department’s recent hike in adjudication fees – passports, visa applications, changes in status applications, green card applications, and other records.

The federal government is using the associated income to fund the new positions, according to Leahy’s office.

Liz Gamache, interim St. Albans City manager, first learned the news from the Messenger on Friday afternoon. She was thrilled and welcomed the expansion wholeheartedly.

Gamache said downtown businesses would benefit tremendously with more employees in the area.

“To say that the addition of these jobs is a significant boost to the economic vitality of St. Albans is an understatement,” Gamache said in a prepared statement. “This underscores the importance of developing and marketing the City of St. Albans to be an attractive prospect to employers.”

-- -- --

Emerson Lynn, Messenger publisher and editor, and Leon Thompson, staff writer, contributed to this report

I was happy to read this in an earlier post...its obvious they are back logged...obvious they ARE working..and these new workers are sorely needed...may not help speed OUR noa2's up but makes me feel better to have first hand understanding of what has happened, why and what they are doing about it..after all...isn't that our major complaint?? NOT KNOWING?? So, I for one am satisfied...understanding my noa2 may take a while longer..but knowing they appear to be doing sth about it...THANK GOD FOR THAT...

[A * A 0]

Just re-posting my previous message. need some help to decide what i will do because it seems this journey is going to take a long time.

I have a question for anybody who can answer it for me. I've already emailed some lawyers but they just give you ####### info until you pay them a fortune..

My fiancee is in panama and is a panamanian. However, Her mother is british, so she holds both a panama and a british passport. Now for panamanians to come to america they need to obtain a visa thus going thru the system like us. However, Brits don't need a visa and they can come here for that 90 days or so time period.

My question is: Do you think my fiancee can travel to america on her british passport as a tourist. Would this hurt the chances of her being granted a fiancee visa when the time comes? I'm kinda scared because i'm planning on going through the panama system rather than British because she IS panamanian.

Would be good to have your input. Thanks ... and i really hope this is the week... its starting to be depressing..lol..

ab

[Zee Bee 61]

Just re-posting my previous message. need some help to decide what i will do because it seems this journey is going to take a long time.

I have a question for anybody who can answer it for me. I've already emailed some lawyers but they just give you ####### info until you pay them a fortune..

My fiancee is in panama and is a panamanian. However, Her mother is british, so she holds both a panama and a british passport. Now for panamanians to come to america they need to obtain a visa thus going thru the system like us. However, Brits don't need a visa and they can come here for that 90 days or so time period.

My question is: Do you think my fiancee can travel to america on her british passport as a tourist. Would this hurt the chances of her being granted a fiancee visa when the time comes? I'm kinda scared because i'm planning on going through the panama system rather than British because she IS panamanian.

Would be good to have your input. Thanks ... and i really hope this is the week... its starting to be depressing..lol..

ab

She holds a British passport so she can use VWP to come here. You would have to make sure that she has something to prove ties to go back to Panama seeing as you did file for a K-1. Her coming here is not going to hurt her chances of getting the K-1. Since British nationals do not need a visa to enter Panama then she is fine there.

I hope this answers your question.

Zee

[Bill B 0]

"There is essentially only one action that the applicant can take to force the agency to act – filing a lawsuit. This type of lawsuit, known as a "writ of mandamus," is designed to compel the government to perform a duty owed to the plaintiff, namely, take action on the pending application."

This can be filed in Federal Court and the government must answer within 60 days. Usually, these lawsuits force the government to finally take action and are resolved before the issue gets to court. Now, this could probably work if cases are not processed within the 6-month timeframe and I'm sure, USCIS doesn't want 100's of these types of cases filed against them so they are going to try and stick to that time they have quoted. HOWEVER, should they get themselves in a position that they can not get out of and change the 6 months to 8 or 12, those of you with the means to hire an attorney, need to find a good one and take some action-->or you may collectively decide to do pursue something like this.

I'm NOT an attorney, just putting this information out there for anyone wanting to take this to the level.

A class-action suit is going to be expensive, and what exactly are we suing for?

I guess if it worked for the workers it might work for us too, but I don't know.

Thanks, Wendy. I bet they are used to lawsuits against them. Take a look at this article...unreal....

http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Top_News/2007...ion_delay/9665/

Lawsuits mount over U.S. immigration delay

Published: Sept. 10, 2007 at 10:46 AM

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 10 (UPI) -- The number of people suing the U.S. government for taking years to clear background checks for immigration is mounting, the Los Angeles Times said Monday.

Using the most recent figures available dating back to Aug. 7, the newspaper said almost 320,000 people were waiting for their FBI name checks, and of them, 61,000 had been waiting more than two years.

As a result, there are 4,100 lawsuits pending against the Citizenship and Immigration agency, up from 2,650 last year and about 680 in 2005, the Times said.

"There is nothing in immigration law that says that a citizenship application should take two, three, four years. That's absurd," said Ranjana Natarajan, a Southern California American Civil Liberties Union attorney who filed a class-action lawsuit last year.

FBI spokesman Bill Carter told the newspaper part of the problem is that many documents aren't electronic and scattered among the bureau's 265 offices nationwide, which causes delays for about 10 percent of applicants screened.

Carter said the bureau is in the process of adding staff to make more documents electronic and centralizing at a new records facility in Virginia, the report said.

Edited October 8, 2007 by Bill B

[Bill B 0]

Below are some details you might not have been privy to before, unless you read this article...

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

You Are In: USINFO > Topics > Global Issues > Visas, Passports and Immigration

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

[empr 0]

Thanks and COGRATULATIONS, Bridusa!

You have given us all the hope that we have needed all week.

[virgillionaire 0]

B)-->

QUOTE(Bill B @ Oct 8 2007, 07:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Below are some details you might not have been privy to before, unless you read this article...

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

You Are In: USINFO > Topics > Global Issues > Visas, Passports and Immigration

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

Didn't slow them down too much in april though?

[thejoz 0]

I have reposted the article with some formatting because I don't know about anyone else, but I found it hard as hell to read the way it was

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 aplicant 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

[virgillionaire 0]

Hey!

I wanted to share my news with you all....that we received our NOA 2 in the post last saturday !!! So far I was only a quiet reader of this thread because I think my english isn't so well yet .

We were already approved like it seems on october 2nd. That is the date which stands on the NOA 2 letter. The only thing is that i didn't received an e-mail before and when i look at our online status it still says case received and pending . But we had it in the mail!!!! And our NOA 1 date was june 25th.

I have no idea why it went so fast for us. We are a normal couple like so many other here. I feel a little bad for that when i see that so many people who had filed before us are still waiting!

But I am also very very happy and maybe this will be a sign that it goes on also for all the june filers !

I wish you all the best and a lot more approvals for this week !!!!

Congratulations!

It is very strange that a non expedited (i.e. Cuban, military, etc.) petition filed on June 21 has been adjudicated when there are tons of May filers still waiting. And how does a petition get adjudicated, approved and a NOA2 mailed without even a touch being recorded? I have no explanation for this.

Congrats

It is inexplicable that they would jump ahead that far. The only logical answer i see is maybe being from Germany they don't feel fraud checks, etc are needed cause it's not exactly a step up from there to here these days.

Or maybe the other ones have been sitting in a dusty pile so long they forgot about them?

[empr 0]

yeah.. don't make any assumptions about Germany that you have to explain to soch.

Congrats

It is inexplicable that they would jump ahead that far. The only logical answer i see is maybe being from Germany they don't feel fraud checks, etc are needed cause it's not exactly a step up from there to here these days.

Or maybe the other ones have been sitting in a dusty pile so long they forgot about them?

Edited October 9, 2007 by empr

[StillThePrettiest 3]

I thought that was a compliment...?

in any case, I don't think that's it; it's far too ambiguous and also far too subjective; there are many countries from which it's 'not exactly a step up' on the same grounds

mind you, I got no other explanation... unless it's just adjudicators playing silly buggers and pulling the odd petition at random, just to give us all a thrill

[soch 2]

Thanks empr! The assumption on Germany means nothing. I have been waiting along with many May filers. I guess Bridusa got lucky. And I am happy for them. But sad for myself, empr, Mirla, Byron and the rest of the May filers. (especially Mirla)

I must say, after reading so many stories on approvals without an online notice, I have been rushing home after work to check my mailbox.

Its only Tuesday, May filers.... lets hope for the best.

[sunnylight 0]

well, let's see what this week brings ...

pls, VSC make our week happier !!!

good luck to everyone waiting

Edited October 9, 2007 by sunnylight