USCIS Lost I-129F Submission

[thonati 37]

I had an RFE from USCIS.  They wanted proof of my 1st marriage ending.  My wife died in DEC22 and I sent them an original from the Records Office.  Somehow they lost it.  I have copies of that record but I went back and purchased another official copy and sent it in.  The $20 is not the problem.  The problem is the lost time.  There has already been a complete halt to USCIS processing since they fired the 400 people in APR/MAY this year.  People who filed in APR and MAY received approvals in under 60 days.  I am on day 150 and counting.  This is ridiculous. 

 

I am so happy that Trump has a Dept of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and I certainly hope they attack the USCIS and get them straight.  It should not take this long to process these forms.  I understand these are government employees and they work at a snail's pace.  Maybe they should outsource this to a company that can be more efficient.  I will have my approval soon after they review my RFER but hopefully others will benefit from Trump's new policies.

[KMG 134]

56 minutes ago, thonati said:

I had an RFE from USCIS.  They wanted proof of my 1st marriage ending.  My wife died in DEC22 and I sent them an original from the Records Office.  Somehow they lost it.  I have copies of that record but I went back and purchased another official copy and sent it in.  The $20 is not the problem.  The problem is the lost time.  There has already been a complete halt to USCIS processing since they fired the 400 people in APR/MAY this year.  People who filed in APR and MAY received approvals in under 60 days.  I am on day 150 and counting.  This is ridiculous. 

 

I am so happy that Trump has a Dept of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and I certainly hope they attack the USCIS and get them straight.  It should not take this long to process these forms.  I understand these are government employees and they work at a snail's pace.  Maybe they should outsource this to a company that can be more efficient.  I will have my approval soon after they review my RFER but hopefully others will benefit from Trump's new policies.

I agree... I am approaching my one year of filing for my husband.  We are overseas so it is taking longer, but this is downright ridiculous. And they just changed it to 16- month wait times.

Edited November 24 by KMG

[apnzz 268]

Unfortunately 150 days is still quite normal. Whilst there have been a lot of people approved in short times, that still isn't bigger than the amount of people who have waited 6-9 months. That's really the main issue, the unfairness and inconsistencies with the approvals, but that's how every visa category is really. Some get lucky, some don't. 

 

Try to stay positive! At least you got an RFE. Many people from before you are still waiting for any response at all. Progress is still progress and patience is key during any immigration process. 

 

I understand the frustration, I was a March filer who got skipped for months watching people who filed just a few days after me get their visa in under 100 days, be in the US and already be married before I even received NOA2.

 

Not making excuses for USCIS at all, I think the organisation is extremely poorly managed & inefficient. They claimed moving to their new Cali office would help improve processing times and streamline the process, yet all that's happened since then is a decrease in processing and productivity,  the numbers and statistics don't lie.

 

But even when these sub 100 day approvals were happening, there were still thousands and thousands of people waiting over the 5 month mark.

 

I know it sucks and it's ridiculous and unfair, but unfortunately it's all random and a lot of it seems to be based on luck - imo that is part of the problem.

 

But all we can do is wait and be patient. It'll be worth it in the end. I'm just thankful I received noa2 in under 12 months. After all, this year was the first year processing times have been a lot faster and I'm happy with that because I can't imagine the pain previous year filers went through

 

Hang in there & i am sure good news will come your way! Remember the end goal is worth the hurdles you face! 😊

Edited November 24 by apnzz

[lenny_k 6]

I’m sorry for your long wait, it sucks. But you are delusional to think that Trump will do anything to help immigration, legal or

otherwise. the issue is slow government workers. There aren’t enough of them for the petitions that are filed. That’s why it’s slow. Outsourcing to a company will make fees go up, as now we pay subsidized fees. 

[JeanneAdil 6,583]

14 hours ago, thonati said:

I had an RFE from USCIS.  They wanted proof of my 1st marriage ending.  My wife died in DEC22 and I sent them an original from the Records Office.  Somehow they lost it.  I have copies of that record but I went back and purchased another official copy and sent it in.  The $20 is not the problem.  The problem is the lost time.  There has already been a complete halt to USCIS processing since they fired the 400 people in APR/MAY this year.  People who filed in APR and MAY received approvals in under 60 days.  I am on day 150 and counting.  This is ridiculous. 

 

I am so happy that Trump has a Dept of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and I certainly hope they attack the USCIS and get them straight.  It should not take this long to process these forms.  I understand these are government employees and they work at a snail's pace.  Maybe they should outsource this to a company that can be more efficient.  I will have my approval soon after they review my RFER but hopefully others will benefit from Trump's new policies.

 Seriously? USCIS outsourced the 800 #/  how's that working for u.

the following are outsourced companies with contracts with USCIS

• EAGLE NEXT Gen (a portfolio approach to the acquisition of Information Technology (IT) services. The portfolio mandates the use of DHS-specific IT services contracts and adopted IT GWACs.)
• EAGLE II for IT services;
• FIRSTSOURCE II for IT commodities;
• PACTS II for program management, administrative, operations (clerical), and technical services; and
• GSA OASIS for program management support.

US outsourced border control to Mexico depending on that country to control those coming across its southern border 

https://theconversation.com/how-the-us-is-outsourcing-border-enforcement-to-mexico-69272

Most cell phone service is outsourced/ u like being onhold for hours?

NYS prisons are now not run by NYS and that company has closed over 20 prisons to save money making the prisons opened overcrowded 

USPS outsourced a 120 million dollar deal with XPO logistics for mail delivery to some cities /mail service is now in the drain

 

what really worked best was when the K1 or CR1 came to the US and had the interview here in US office not the foreign embassy

 

[JeanneAdil 6,583]

14 hours ago, thonati said:

I had an RFE from USCIS.  They wanted proof of my 1st marriage ending.  My wife died in DEC22 and I sent them an original from the Records Office.  Somehow they lost it.  I have copies of that record but I went back and purchased another official copy and sent it in.  The $20 is not the problem.  The problem is the lost time.  There has already been a complete halt to USCIS processing since they fired the 400 people in APR/MAY this year.  People who filed in APR and MAY received approvals in under 60 days.  I am on day 150 and counting.  This is ridiculous. 

 

I am so happy that Trump has a Dept of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and I certainly hope they attack the USCIS and get them straight.  It should not take this long to process these forms.  I understand these are government employees and they work at a snail's pace.  Maybe they should outsource this to a company that can be more efficient.  I will have my approval soon after they review my RFER but hopefully others will benefit from Trump's new policies.

This article is misleading at best. The workers who were "laid off" are NOT federal employees. They do not adjudicate cases. They are federal contractors. USCIS just opted to not renew the contract and instead hire more officers.

[thonati 37]

58 minutes ago, JeanneAdil said:

This article is misleading at best. The workers who were "laid off" are NOT federal employees. They do not adjudicate cases. They are federal contractors. USCIS just opted to not renew the contract and instead hire more officers.

That may be true but the approval times increased dramatically the month they were fired.  So while they may not have adjudicated cases, they offered some case management that improved efficiency.  I paid for a USCIS service where they tracked approvals on a daily basis and it was very clear, direct cause & effect.   The fired workers slowed down the approval process.

[thonati 37]

12 hours ago, apnzz said:

Unfortunately 150 days is still quite normal. Whilst there have been a lot of people approved in short times, that still isn't bigger than the amount of people who have waited 6-9 months. That's really the main issue, the unfairness and inconsistencies with the approvals, but that's how every visa category is really. Some get lucky, some don't. 

 

 

But even when these sub 100 day approvals were happening, there were still thousands and thousands of people waiting over the 5 month mark.

 

I know it sucks and it's ridiculous and unfair, but unfortunately it's all random and a lot of it seems to be based on luck - imo that is part of the problem.

 

This is exactly my point.  It should ALWAYS be first come, first serve.  Anything else should be criminal.  I can understand putting our Active Duty Service Members ahead of the line, no problem.  But  in my case, they lose my wife's death certificate?   I cannot accept mediocrity.  I cannot accept poor performance from my government. 

 

There was a man that got approved in 21 days.....TWENTY ONE days.  This whole process stinks of inefficiency, bloated government.  Trump's DOGE should attack USCIS processing on the first day.  Hell they are working on a way to pay Federal Taxes with an phone app.  Why not a simple USCIS application?

 

The I-129F petition basically confirms the petitioner 1) is not an axe murderer, 2) Is he/she a terrorist, 3) Does he/she pay taxes on time, 4) does he/she pay student loans (and other Federal loans) on time.  That is all.  Fairly simple.  The more important questions occur with the fiance at the embassy to confirm the marriage is not a fraud.  I understand the first two question is the most difficult and a background check is needed.  The I-129F petition should be approved in less than 30 days.

[thonati 37]

1 hour ago, JeanneAdil said:

 Seriously? USCIS outsourced the 800 #/  how's that working for u.

 

what really worked best was when the K1 or CR1 came to the US and had the interview here in US office not the foreign embassy

 

"Seriously?"  He!! yes.  I cannot speak to the 1-800 # as I have not used it.

 

Bringing the K1 fiance here before the interview is subject to fraud.  So I have no problem with the K1 interview at the embassy.

 

Something so simple as a I-129F application should not take 159 days while others take only 21 days.  If it can be approved in 21 days for some, why not everyone? 

 

DOGE needs to attack USCIS on 20JAN noon and have it solved by 6pm.  I do not trust any government worker to be efficient and that is why I support outsourcing it.  Now if the outsource company fails in their mission, pull the contract and give it to someone else.  If the next company fails, repeat.  We HAVE to hold our government accountable to us, The People.  I trust Elon and Vivek can get this done.

[apnzz 268]

19 minutes ago, thonati said:

This is exactly my point.  It should ALWAYS be first come, first serve.  Anything else should be criminal.  I can understand putting our Active Duty Service Members ahead of the line, no problem.  But  in my case, they lose my wife's death certificate?   I cannot accept mediocrity.  I cannot accept poor performance from my government. 

 

There was a man that got approved in 21 days.....TWENTY ONE days.  This whole process stinks of inefficiency, bloated government.  Trump's DOGE should attack USCIS processing on the first day.  Hell they are working on a way to pay Federal Taxes with an phone app.  Why not a simple USCIS application?

 

The I-129F petition basically confirms the petitioner 1) is not an axe murderer, 2) Is he/she a terrorist, 3) Does he/she pay taxes on time, 4) does he/she pay student loans (and other Federal loans) on time.  That is all.  Fairly simple.  The more important questions occur with the fiance at the embassy to confirm the marriage is not a fraud.  I understand the first two question is the most difficult and a background check is needed.  The I-129F petition should be approved in less than 30 days.

Unfortunately in regard to the accepting mediocrity - it's not like there's much that can be done- USCIS has always ran and processed this way, that's just how it is. Until there are means of holding organisations like that accountable there isn't much that can be done. It's not a tax funded organisation and only other elements of the government can hold it accountable in relation to these issues (unless it exceeds normal processing time and other serious issues which can be addressed via congressional aid, senator aid and other methods like ombudsman and even seeking White House assistance, but like I said, these routes are only helpful and result in action when it's serious or has exceeded a specific time frame).

 

There's hundreds of thousands of people who go through these processes. The people who filed during covid, the ridiculous delays seen in previous years.. Yeah it's crappy they lost or misplaced or even just overlooked a document, but at the end of the day it happens a lot not just with USCIS but things like that happen in every organisation. 

 

Whilst it may seem straight forward to us like you wanted to previous condense and downplay, we don't know the true extent and processes of the i-129f, background checks happen and those are commonly external or with other organisations and naturally intergovernmental communications aren't instantaneous. Expecting an approval in 30 days is ignorant. You mention someone getting approved in 21 days but no one knows their case details, whether an expedite occurred, every single case is different and the only people who know the true details of the case are the petitioner and the case adjudicator. Whilst I have no specific explanation as to why cases vary so much with processing times, I can assure you the amount of people approved in extremely short periods of time are small in comparison to those who wait months. I do think you're simplifying and downplaying the process. Immigration isn't just 4 question/tick boxes and then the petition should be decided..

 

You can see that via statistics readily available not only via this site but on other resources on the internet. 

 

Also involving politics here, in my opinion, is completely irrelevant to the topic at hand. No president or government has made this visa process take less than 30 days. Historically in general it takes months from start to finish - yes filers at the start of 2024 saw faster approval times, but not all of them. I was one of the ones who didn't. Let's not ignore the majority in favor of highlighting a smaller amount of fast approvals. Historically this isn't a fast process.

 

I think sometimes perspective is needed. Look on this forum and read the huge amount of posts from people who waited 6+ months, over a year, etc etc. We should be thankful it isn't as bad as it used to be. & I agree 100% USCIS is inefficient and it's completely unfair some get approved so fast whilst others wait longer times in comparison, and that is so unfair and makes no sense, but that's how USCIS has always been for every visa type. 

 

If you think 159 days is ridiculous then you should be so thankful we aren't in the same position as the filers from before 2024. The process has never been fair or balanced. Is that an issue? Yeah, it's messed up. But things could be worse.

 

Overall you really have downplayed the visa process. It's not as simple as asking 4 questions then boom, there's a decision.

[SteveInBostonI130 3,471]

2 hours ago, thonati said:

DOGE needs to attack USCIS on 20JAN noon and have it solved by 6pm.  I do not trust any government worker to be efficient and that is why I support outsourcing it.  Now if the outsource company fails in their mission, pull the contract and give it to someone else.  If the next company fails, repeat.  We HAVE to hold our government accountable to us, The People.  I trust Elon and Vivek can get this done.

 

I initially thought you were having a go, but I think you are actually serious.  

 

Here's how DOGE can make USCIS processing "efficient".  Let's say goal is to have CSC process I-129F in 90 days:

• Any current applications that are waiting to be process:  Reject and purge
• Simple applications (no divorce, low fraud country, no criminal past, fast background check from DOJ):  process normally
• Slightly difficult cases (one party divorced, DOJ taking longer to get back with criminal check):  Track processing, transfer to Vermont after XX days
• Moderately difficult cases (foreign fiance is divorced, high fraud country):  transfer to Vermont
• Difficult cases:  Transfer to Vermont.
• Typo on application:  Reject, pocket the application fee.
• Missing information:  Reject, pocket the application fee.
• High application countries like Philippines, automatically reject 50%-75% with "missing evidence" reason.  Pocket the application fee.
• RFE:  gone.  Why waste time and resources on communications when it's simpler just to reject the application and pocket the money?
• Public inquiry:  Make 100% AI driven.  No USCIS employee to man help lines.  Any escalated inquiries send the petition to Vermont to the back of the queue

 

That is how to get "90 day processing" statistics on paper.  Just like how Japan has a high homicide solve rate because they classify a murder as a homicide if they have already identified a suspect and have some evidence.  All other cases are classified as "found body". 

 

And, in the above scenario, your application would have been rejected twice.  You would be submitting your 3rd,4th or 5th I-29F application.  But hey, at lease USCIS is now processing within 90 days.