Effect of moves on processing times

[m105ucg3 7]

We have recently filed our naturalization applications (5 years LPR eligiblity criteria) but are considering moving to another state. I wonder what the implications of such a move overall and especially on the case processing times.

I am curious if anyone here knows whether the applications transferred from another field office are put at the end of backlog or processed in the order of priority dates? Basically is there a reason to delay the move or instead move to another state as soon as possible?

[Lucky2Lucky 2,526]

It will depend if you are moving to a place with a slower field office. I would imagine you get put at the end of the line/pile but how would anyone really know? Make sure you meet this requirement: Show that you have lived for at least three months in the state or USCIS district where you apply. 

[millefleur 5,046]

Individual field office times matter. Where are you looking to move to?

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

My understanding from past posts is that your new office uses the existing priority date. There was someone who posted here ...and I don’t recall when it was but sometime in the year I was waiting for my interview ... that they moved and got a call to interview almost immediately as the new office had a shorter waitlist for PDs.

 

On 10/6/2020 at 7:36 PM, Luckycuds said:

Make sure you meet this requirement: Show that you have lived for at least three months in the state or USCIS district where you apply. 

I believe this is only applicable to the FO at which you make your initial filing. Once you move your case can move with you immediately. 
 

 

Edited October 11, 2020 by SusieQQQ

[Thegirl 225]

I moved but USCIS failed to successfully transfer my case. Said they did but it stayed at the original office which then scheduled my interview. Basically, USCIS is a mess so unfortunately I don't have any first hand experience with where in the line you end up when you move. But good luck! Make sure to watch you case carefully is all I shall say. 

[chinesesatellite 13]

Two weeks after I filed my change of address to another state, I got a notice that they had successfully moved my case (filed in February 2020) from OR to MA. Then the day after that, my interview got scheduled in MA, on election day. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly they had scheduled me, really was expecting to be waiting for my turn for months. 

[ThaOne 101]

On 10/6/2020 at 10:36 PM, Luckycuds said:

It will depend if you are moving to a place with a slower field office. I would imagine you get put at the end of the line/pile but how would anyone really know? Make sure you meet this requirement: Show that you have lived for at least three months in the state or USCIS district where you apply. 

That would not make any sense as it would mean that once you file for N400 you are never allowed to move until it is over. He has already filed so if that rule was already followed I don't think it affects anything if he moves. It may still get him at the end of the line though, but would not exclude him IMO.

[Lucky2Lucky 2,526]

2 hours ago, ThaOne said:

That would not make any sense as it would mean that once you file for N400 you are never allowed to move until it is over. He has already filed so if that rule was already followed I don't think it affects anything if he moves. It may still get him at the end of the line though, but would not exclude him IMO.

You are right I was incorrect it does not apply if you’ve moved after you submitted the N400.

[m105ucg3 7]

Just a quick update if anyone finds this thread interesting in the future. We filed AR-11 (address change) on 2020-12-24 online. The receipt email came immediately saying that it would take up to Jan 7th to process (about 2 weeks). Address change was actually processed on Jan 12th. And very quickly after that, on Jan 15th we got interview notice.

So, answering my own question from above. It appears that field offices don't assign interviews for applications received in FIFO order, but in the order of priority dates. 

 

Edited January 19, 2021 by cryo28

[millefleur 5,046]

2 hours ago, cryo28 said:

Just a quick update if anyone finds this thread interesting in the future. We filed AR-11 (address change) on 2020-12-24 online. The receipt email came immediately saying that it would take up to Jan 7th to process (about 2 weeks). Address change was actually processed on Jan 12th. And very quickly after that, on Jan 15th we got interview notice.

So, answering my own question from above. It appears that field offices don't assign interviews for applications received in FIFO order, but in the order of priority dates.

Thank you for updating us! Filed April 1st here, moved in May. Filed AR-11 on May 5th. AR-11 was processed on May 15th. I have not heard anything at all since May 15th....no updates, no biometrics, nothing...

 

What does FIFO mean? Also what do you mean by priority dates? Just curious since I'm still sitting here, waiting, with no updates...

[m105ucg3 7]

41 minutes ago, millefleur said:

What does FIFO mean? Also what do you mean by priority dates? Just curious since I'm still sitting here, waiting, with no updates...

FIFO - First In First Out.
By priority date I meant "Priority Date" field in N-400 Receipt notice (which in my case is the same as Received Date). I guess we were assigned interviews so frequently because our new FO (San Antonio, 8-12 months processing time) is much faster than our previous FO (San Francisco, 14-18 months processing time), and assigned interviews for the same priority dates as us in Jan-early Feb 2021 (according to  a few relevant samples from visajourney timelines).

 

Hope that helps.