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CuriousImmigrant_

FOIA results for an ongoing N400

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So I recently filed FOIA request to check if there is anything slowing down my N400 (submitted in August), and as far as I know, the security/FBI checks have already been processed long time ago and nothing wrong I can see within the application. What I noticed is that my A-file check in the N400 application has not even been processed or accessed by an officer and barely no comments were provided at all regarding my N400 case!
 
Also, I checked the actual A-file and I saw something like a stamp or a tag where it says: From NBC to NRC FOIA center. I also found that below the NBC, there was a note: N400 Await scheduling.
 
I am not sure where the delay is, but my gut feeling is that my FO (Montgomery) has not pulled my A-file yet for an interview as it may be slow compared to other FOs. I also heard from others that the delay sometimes is attributed to the NBC.
Any one having an experience like this or have used the Montgomery FO?
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52 minutes ago, CuriousImmigrant_ said:

N400 (submitted in August)

So...5 months ago? Why would you think that this is taking too long? It hasn't been enough time to do anything about it but wait until your interview is scheduled.

 

Other people getting their interviews in less the 5 months is not indication that your case will also take less than 5 months. I understand the anxiety of getting over with USCIS very well but you're well within processing times for your files office which is 7.5 months.

 

If you submitted in 2022 then yes, time to start bugging uscis and your local representative about it. Otherwise you're just gonna have to wait ...

Edited by jackiegringa

event.png

 

N-400 3 year marriage based (IOE)

Jan 22, 2024 - Submitted online 

Jan 22, 2024 - Biometrics waived

Mar 6, 2024 - Interview scheduled for Apr 11 COMBO I-751/N-400

Apr 11, 2024 - Combo interview - approved N-400

May 1, 2024 - Approved ROC, received 10 GC on May 20.

May 7, 2024 - Oath scheduled for June 14 (requested later ceremony at interview)

June 14, 2024 - Special Flag Day Oath ceremony - I'm a citizen!!!

 

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It just seems like your case is waiting in a queue to be processed in a busy field office.

 

According to https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/, at the moment it takes about 7.5 months for 80% of cases.

 

Assuming you submitted your N-400 mid August 2023, it's only been 4.5 months in. No surprises here.

 

Note the important part - 80% of cases. Your case may randomly end up in the 20% which will take over 7.5 months. I wouldn't worry at all until at least August 2024.

 

Edited by OldUser
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26 minutes ago, jackiegringa said:

So...5 months ago? Why would you think that this is taking too long? It hasn't been enough time to do anything about it but wait until your interview is scheduled.

 

Other people getting their interviews in less the 5 months is not indication that your case will also take less than 5 months. I understand the anxiety of getting over with USCIS very well but you're well within processing times for your files office which is 7.5 months.

 

If you submitted in 2022 then yes, time to start bugging USCIS and your local representative about it. Otherwise you're just gonna have to wait ...

I would like to tell you how many get their interviews in less than 3 months. I know that is very fast but at the end when you see the disparity in the processing times you start questioning if there is any issue with your case. Is it related to your country of origin? Do they do extensive background checks for people like you? 

Unfortunately the whole process is not transparent.

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17 minutes ago, CuriousImmigrant_ said:

I would like to tell you how many get their interviews in less than 3 months. I know that is very fast but at the end when you see the disparity in the processing times you start questioning if there is any issue with your case. Is it related to your country of origin? Do they do extensive background checks for people like you? 

Unfortunately the whole process is not transparent.

It's a lottery. It applies to all sort of cases with USCIS. My friend got I-751 approval 4-5 months earlier than me, even though his case was filed 3 weeks later than mine. I didn't have RFEs or anything else. Cases around mine were also delayed by several months for no apparent reason.

 

Having expectation to have your case adjudicated faster than standard processing time doesn't help. Are you ready for the interview and civics test if you were called for it today? If I was in your shoes, I'd ensure I studied everything and was prepared.

Edited by OldUser
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8 minutes ago, rebnoe said:

How did you file a FOIA to see if anything is holding up the N400?

https://www.uscis.gov/records/request-records-through-the-freedom-of-information-act-or-privacy-act

 

 

Be aware that filing FOIA may slow down the N-400 case itself!

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Dude, it's been 5 months.  Processing time for that FO is 7.5 months.  Relax.

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Canada
Timeline
11 hours ago, jackiegringa said:

So...5 months ago? Why would you think that this is taking too long? It hasn't been enough time to do anything about it but wait until your interview is scheduled.

 

Other people getting their interviews in less the 5 months is not indication that your case will also take less than 5 months. I understand the anxiety of getting over with USCIS very well but you're well within processing times for your files office which is 7.5 months.

 

If you submitted in 2022 then yes, time to start bugging uscis and your local representative about it. Otherwise you're just gonna have to wait ...

Should I start bugging them about my N400? I sent mine in August 2022. 

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

     

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Two Countries, One Love

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44 minutes ago, sweethrtt said:

Should I start bugging them about my N400? I sent mine in August 2022. 

Based on info in other threads, you filed N-400 in August 2023, not 2022?

 

If filed in August 2023, it's still early to bug USCIS.

 

It's also a bit early to bug regarding I-751 that you filed in August 2022, since most of I-751s take 20+ months nowadays.

Edited by OldUser
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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Russia
Timeline
22 hours ago, CuriousImmigrant_ said:

Is it related to your country of origin? Do they do extensive background checks for people like you? 

First of all, don't compare your case to others'. It won't do you any good, just add to your frustration.

Back when I filed for my AOS in 2016, those who filed with me received their GCs within 3-6 months. At some point, I was the only filer left in my topic who got nothing from USCIS. 

 

Each of my filings (AOS, I-751, N400) ended up taking the longest out of the projected wait time, and I had no RFEs. 

 

So just be patient.

 

And yes, the country of origin might affect certain USCIS processes. For example, during my original AOS filing, at the infopass appointment I learned that my home country took over half a year to clear my background check which resulted in delay of my interview.

Timeline:

Spoiler

AOS Journey:

Spoiler

 

08/19/2016 - day 0 - I-485, I-130, I-765 sent to USCIS office in Chicago (PD: 08/23/2016)

08/31/2016 - day 9 - electronic NOAs received via text and email, check is cashed.

09/08/2016 - day 17 - biometrics appointment notice received in the mail (appointment date 09/19/2016).

09/13/2016 - day 22 - early biometrics walk in.

10/28/2016 - day 67 - EAD status changed to "New Card Is Being Produced".

11/16/2016 - day 87 - EAD card received in mail.

06/27/2017 - day 309 - contacted the congressman office.

07/28/2017 - day 340 - finally received an interview appointment in mail (online status has not changed).

08/31/2017 - day 374 - Interview; I-485 status changed to 'New Card Is Being Produced'

09/08/2017 - day 382 - greencard received in mail

I-751 & N400 Journey:

Spoiler

06/20/2019 - day 1036 - ROC packet mailed (PD: 06/21/2019)

06/29/2019 - day 1045 - NOA/Extension letter received in the mail (new GC expiration date is 2/28/2021)

01/17/2020 - day 1256 - biometrics appointment

06/03/2020 - day 1382 - N400 filed online (PD: 06/04/2020)

02/01/2021 - day 1626 - Biometric Reuse notice uploaded to my online account

02/08/2021 - day 1634 - Interview Appointment notice uploaded to my online account

03/16/2021 - day 1670 - N400 Interview - passed; due to I-751 stuck in another office 'No decision can be made at this time'

06/01/2021 - day 1747 - with help of Sen. Sanders' office, I-751 file finally forwarded to St. Albans field office

06/28/2021 - day 1774 - I-751 status changed to 'New Card is Being Produced'; N400 status changed to 'Oath Ceremony Will Be Scheduled'

08/19/2021 - day 1826 (exactly 5 years since day 0) - Oath Ceremony (notice received on 7/19/21)

 

 

 

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Argentina
Timeline
On 1/12/2024 at 1:55 PM, CuriousImmigrant_ said:

submitted in August

You definitely need to chill. Mine took six months. You’re still well within your time frame 

FROM F1 TO AOS

October 17, 2019 AOS receipt date 

December 09, 2019: Biometric appointment

January 15, 2020 RFE received

January 30, 2020  RFE response sent

Feb 7: EAD approved and interview scheduled

March 18, 2020 Interview cancelled

April 14th 2020: RFE received

April 29, 2020 Approved without interview

May 1, 2020 Card in hand

 

REMOVAL OF CONDITIONS

February 1, 2022 package sent

March 28, 2022 Fingerprints reused

July 18, 2023 approval

July 20, 2023 Card in hand

 

N400 

January 30,2023: Online filing

February 4th, 2023: Biometric appointment

June 15th, 2023: Case actively being reviewed

July 11th, 2023: Interview scheduled.

August 30th, 2023: Interview!

August 31st, 2023: Oath ceremony scheduled.

Sept 19th, 2023: Officially a US citizen!

 


 

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Canada
Timeline
On 1/13/2024 at 2:48 AM, OldUser said:

Based on info in other threads, you filed N-400 in August 2023, not 2022?

 

If filed in August 2023, it's still early to bug USCIS.

 

It's also a bit early to bug regarding I-751 that you filed in August 2022, since most of I-751s take 20+ months nowadays.

Oh Geez you are so right about the N400. I totally confused the dates! Sorry about that! I filed my I-751 in 2022 🫣
 

Appreciate the response! 

Spoiler

 

 

 

 

     

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Two Countries, One Love

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