Dear N-400 experts,

I helped my Mom filled out her N-400 and sent in last Oct., she has been a GC holder for more than 16 yrs so eligilibity isn't a problem. The NOA came back as follows:

"Receipt with Exception
Application Number: ESC*XXXXXXXXX (9 digits)
...the following exceptions
Missing Evidence(s) - your application was missing evidence(s) that you will need to provide at the time of your naturualization interview. You will be notified under separate notice of the necessary evidenc(s) that you will be required to bring to your interview. Do not submit any evidence(s) by mail."

So far she has gotten and completed the biometrics appointment but still waiting for the elusive interview notice.

Her case number cannot be checked USCIS's case status online check due to missing digit and the system doesn't recognize "ESC".

I double checked everything she sent against N-400 instructions and can't really think of anything missing. Has anyone encountered or heard this "Receipt with Exception" NOA? My Mom is getting anxious about the interview but I told her just be patient because technically USCIS has up to 365 days to get back to her and now it's only been 5 months.

I haven't tried to call USCIS as I doubt the agent will know the details about this case and tell me what's missing.

Any advice or suggestions?

Thanks, Michael

N-400 applications can't be looked up on line, and they won't be in the Service Center queue--they are held there for the local office. You must have filed to VSC (the ESC is their shorthand I think) becasue the letter your mom got is common to them.
VSC NOAs indicate that there is missing evidence--for everyone. If you know you sent in the required docs, don't panic.

You can find examples of this on the group alt.visa.us.marriage-based via google/groups or at britishexpats.com

Dear Meauxna,

Thank you very much for the tip. Yes, she filed with VSC. Friends of my Mom's who filed for N-400 recently got interview notices, some as short as 2 months. One thing I have learned after gone through the K1 visa with my wife is that never try to predict USCIS's timelines and just let the nature take its course.

Thanks again and I'll tell my Mom to relax.

Michael

That is a standard NOA for an N-400, everybody who applies for citizenship gets the same message. So you're ok, if they need anything they'll let you know before the interview.