N 400 slow processing question (No biometric after a year)

[jztelemark 19]

All,

 

I am looking for help from the collective wisdom of the group. My wife filed her N 400 over a year ago online and has been radio silent since. My biggest concern is that we have heard nothing on either reuse or a new appointment on biometric. From other cases, this seems the be abnormal. We have sent an email, but the response was generic the case is still within normal processing time. Any ideas on how to figure out why the delay in biometrics? What would happen if we filed a new application?

 

Thanks in advance 

[OldUser 6,589]

Did you move to a new address by any chance?

What's the field office?

Is she applying under 3 or 5 year rule?

Is there pending I-751?

 

[Mike E 11,739]

2 hours ago, jztelemark said:

Any ideas on how to figure out why the delay in biometrics? What

Have you checked the documents tab of her online account?

 

 

[jztelemark 19]

To answer the questions asked. We filed under naturalization under section 319(b) as I work overseas for the United Nations. We filed the forms online in October 2021 and did receive a notice of expectance. We chose the Boise Field Office if that matters. Since the time the case has been "under review"

What I'm concerned about is the lack of biometrics. I don't know if the case can be under review with no biometrics. From my reading, most N-400 case biometrics were reused or an appointment was made shortly after receipt of the file.  

It appears the case is caught in limbo. I read last week that another person's case filed under section 319(b) was processed in months.   I know no two cases are the same, but as I said I'm worried about in the form of biometrics.  I guess the answer is to call a Tier 2 agent but that is difficult domestically and nearly impossible overseas.  

Hopefully, no issues visiting home for holidays after a year outside the US.

[randomstairs 300]

7 hours ago, jztelemark said:

To answer the questions asked. We filed under naturalization under section 319(b) as I work overseas for the United Nations. We filed the forms online in October 2021 and did receive a notice of expectance. We chose the Boise Field Office if that matters. Since the time the case has been "under review"

What I'm concerned about is the lack of biometrics. I don't know if the case can be under review with no biometrics. From my reading, most N-400 case biometrics were reused or an appointment was made shortly after receipt of the file.  

It appears the case is caught in limbo. I read last week that another person's case filed under section 319(b) was processed in months.   I know no two cases are the same, but as I said I'm worried about in the form of biometrics.  I guess the answer is to call a Tier 2 agent but that is difficult domestically and nearly impossible overseas.  

Hopefully, no issues visiting home for holidays after a year outside the US.

So, did you check the documents tab of the online account as suggested by Mike E or not?

[Chancy 6,241]

*** Moved from US Citizenship General Discussion to Progress Reports ***

 

[jztelemark 19]

10 hours ago, randomstairs said:

So, did you check the documents tab of the online account as suggested by Mike E or not?

Yes, my wife checks every day and the only document is the receipt notice. As I mentioned before my biggest concern is biometrics. Until those are compiled there we are stalled at the current place. 

[jztelemark 19]

A quick update. On October 17th after 683 days of the case being actively reviewed by USCIS, the status changed to case being actively studied by USCIS.  

 

I have submitted two inquiries about the case taking longer than expected (The last one on September 21st that has yet to be responded to.) and one congressional inquiry to USCIS responded with, "We have confirmed that this case remains pending for an eligibility interview when an interview slot becomes available. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will contact your constituent directly when an interview is scheduled or if additional information is requested prior to the interview."  

 

sigh 

[jackiegringa 419]

On 10/19/2023 at 1:44 AM, jztelemark said:

A quick update. On October 17th after 683 days of the case being actively reviewed by USCIS, the status changed to case being actively studied by USCIS. 

I am sorry your case is taking way longer than normal. If you don't know of any possible issues that could be dragging it for so long I think you are a prime candidate for filing a WOM and getting your answer as soon as possible.

 

 

[jztelemark 19]

I wish the system was not so messed up that the answer always seems to file a WoM.  To answer your question, no, there is nothing special about the case other than it was filed under Section 319(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which allows the spouses of United States citizens employed by certain employers overseas, to expedite their applications for citizenship.  I meet all under this section so we are not worried on that front.  

[jztelemark 19]

On 10/23/2023 at 9:04 AM, jztelemark said:

I wish the system was not so messed up that the answer always seems to file a WoM.  To answer your question, no, there is nothing special about the case other than it was filed under Section 319(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), which allows the spouses of United States citizens employed by certain employers overseas, to expedite their applications for citizenship.  I meet all under this section so we are not worried on that front.  

 

We received good news last night, and my wife has an interview date for late November. Does anyone know if the Boise office does same day oaths?  

[jztelemark 19]

As of today, my wife is a US citizen.  The interview was this past Monday, and the oath was today. The only reason she didn’t have a same-day oath was someone had to hit a button at the Texas Service Center.  The interview was painless, and she answered the first six questions asked.  

 

Now we need to get her a passport by January 4th as we are currently living in Europe.  

 

 

 

[OldUser 6,589]

2 hours ago, jztelemark said:

 Now we need to get her a passport by January 4th as we are currently living in Europe.  

 

 

 

Congrats, but how did she get naturalized if you're living in Europe? I thought one needs to be a LPR at the time of oath (e.g. reside, have ties to the US etc) 

 

I hope it won't be a problem whenever she decides to renew her passport in the future. E.g. if naturalization was granted incorrectly.

Edited November 30, 2023 by OldUser

[jztelemark 19]

She naturalized under 319(b) or a spouse of a US citzen working abroad. She has to comply with all other requirements for naturalization as provided in part 316 of this chapter, except for those contained in § 316.2(a)(3) through (a)(6) of this chapter.  

 

We had to include a copy of my employment contract as part of the N-400 application.  

 

 

Addtionally per 319 

Alien spouse's requirement to depart abroad immediately after naturalization. An alien spouse seeking naturalization under section 319(b) of the Act must:  (1) Establish that he or she will depart to join the citizen spouse within 30 to 45 days after the date of naturalization.

 

This is why getting her a passport needs to be accomplished ASAP.  

[OldUser 6,589]

@jztelemark thank you for explaining, I should have re-read the thread. Congrats once again!