jc_colin

Hi Sheila ..kabayan

Me too I file last Dec 2012.. Until now waiting for NOA2 and also were routed to NBC. I called USCIS a week ago I was told right now the processing will take 5-6 months

Am not losing for hope but sometimes you cant even help to think of it , " where's my papers" hopefully 2 weeks or so we will get some great news. anyway goodluck to you just keep updating.. I'll let you know too..

It's true that 5-6 months are standard processing lead-time. However, you should contact the USCIS Tier 2 Office by calling the Customer Service. The Tier 2 Officer (Immigration Service Officer) is the only person who can be able to look more into your file and tell you if your file is still within the NBC or has been transfered to your local office. You can also ask for the date the file was transfered.

Remember.. this is how you: When calling the USCIS Customer Service, you have to tell the Customer Service reps that you want to speak to a Tier 2 officer (also called ISO). Sometimes, the Customer Service reps would not transfer you to the ISO. If he/she refused to transfer you, don't worry! Call back after 10 or 15 min...& Keep calling until you get to speak with the ISO. You will probably be put on hold for up to 45 minutes. In my case, I was put on hold for like 40 minutes until the ISO came on phone. She told me that my file was transfered to my local office and when it was transfered. She also informed me that I should hear something very soon from my local office.

That's cool... Here in florida at tampa they have a big uscis office here..

when do i starts to call them and follow up the NoA2 since i just got my noa1 april 23

Hope it will be fast..

You should allow at least 2.5 months from the NOA1 receipt date before start calling the USCIS National Customer Service.

Are you able to see the case online status?

Still "case cannot be found" either online or by phone.

Probaby got tranferred to the local office. And I am moving in a couple of weeks. Been wondering when I should call them with change of address (I already have the new one) and how much transferring between local offices is going to delay the approval...

You should contact the USCIS Customer Service as soon as you moved to the new place. In you are moving within the cities in your state, you need to check on the USCIS website for which local USCIS office will handle your file. I will advise you to make the appointment through the infopass to speak with the IO. He or she would be able to tell you where your file is and if you moved, which local USCIS office will handle your petition.

Thank you for thr info.. Mind is MSC... I heard that vermont is slow in processing... When my husband petition me cR1 before our papers is in CALI... I took 4 months only. Including the approval, medical and interview...

It's true that the Vermon Service Center is slow in processing. Since your petition is within the NBC, you should except a quick approval or anything in the mail from your local office.

same here with pd 12/17/12

You should make the appointment to speak with the IO at your local USCIS office. He/She can look deeply your case and tell you something.

I am still waiting dec 3 2013 pd .received receipt with MSC xxxxxx. No updates after that

You should make the appointment to speak with the IO at your local USCIS office.

Here is a copy with the people removed:

1_toplogo-modern-small.gif

Oh NO NO!....Please keep the logo with 3 people running the marathon.

Thanks!

If you take a look at our new logo I kept the "running" person(s) based on our previous logo. It symbolizes the long and difficult marathon we all make during our respective "Visa Journies". A few of my peers think I should remove them to make the logo more clean. What do you think?

New logo:

1_toplogo-modern-small2.gif

Old logo:

1_toplogo-new-small.gif.gif

Captain Ewok,

I personally like the new logo. It does serve as a symbol of the long and hard journey we all have to go before our loved ones or family members can be granted "VISA".

Keep up with the good work!

Thanks you for your information . I will try to add my signature . I am newbie in here . Yes I got my noa1 already and it did went to NBC. I am not sure should I happy or not . Some people say it is fast process in NBC . Agin thanks for you info. I keep the number That you give me in case I need to call them during my parents journey .

Koekoe,

Great that you got your NOA1. You should be happy since the NBC transfered all the I-130 Stand alone to your local USCIS office for processing. It depends on the case, but the approval should be very quick and fast. In my case (IR-5), I could have been approved sometimes in February if I did receive the RFE that was mailed to me requesting bonafide relationship of father/son. Somehow they lost a copy of my birth certificate. I found out in March 28th when I received the NOID (Notice of Intent to Deny) letter from my USCIS local office. I made appointment and spoke with IO on April 2nd (gave her another copy of my birth certs with english translation). The next day (April 3rd), my petition was approved. So, the case being transfered to the USCIS local office is much quick to be approved or denied (depending on the situation).

Hope this helps!

I just recieve my NOA1 april 26.,,

How will i know what service my case assign? I am from Florida... When i submit the I 130 form i send it to texas...

Thanks

Shiela,

It's great that you finally received your NOA1. What are the first three letters of your USCIS receipt number (on your NOA1)? These 3 letters determine the service center that has your petition (case).

If the USCIS receipt number starts with:

• LIN: Your petition is within Nebraska Service Center
• SRC: Your petition is within Texas Service Center
• EAC: Your petition is within Vermont Service Center
• WAC: Your petition is within California Service Center
• MSC: Your petition is routed to the NBC (National Benefits Center) and then to your local USCIS Office

Regardless which service center your petition is sent, the USCIS National Customer Service Center phone number (1-800-375-5283) is still the same. Since you now have the NOA1 (with the USCIS Receipt Number), you can call the USCIS Customer Service to obtain the status of your case.

Hope this helps!

Noa1 dated october 31,2012 almost lost hope !!!! My honeys bday today!!! Best bday gift for him approval date april 26,2013 cali time april 27 2013 guam time his bday!!!!didnt even had the chance to update my timeline here due to a busy work schedule no rfe needed so happy!!!

Congratulations! One step is accomplished...

I mailed AOS (I-130 & I-485 concurrent filing) for my wife on Apr 12, and we still haven't received a receipt letter/number. I mailed the package to Chicago lockbox. Tracking says package was delivered on Apr 15. I didn't use signature required when mailing.

1. First off, Is this normal or something went wrong?

2. What can I do? Call USCIS I don't have any reference numbers? Or the post office?

If the package was somehow lost, then I would really hate to send another package. Or if they did receive it, I would hate to confuse USCIS if I send another package.

Please advise.

Thank you.

Sorry to hear about your petition. Did the payment clear your bank? ($420 fee). If it was cleared, you can still contact the USCIS even though you don't have the receipt number. I hope this help.

Hi, Everyone. I am new here. Please help!

I was LPR when I sent I-130 for my husband in China--- NOA1 06/24/2011

I became US citizen on 08/09/2012. I called USCIS to upgraded my citizenship on 10/16/12. Officer told me " You will receive letter by mail or email " but I didn't get anything.

After I checked online status on 4/25/2013 it showrd I-130 approved on 04/12/2013. I called and asked them why I didn't receive anything after approved online 15 days and she told me to wait 30 days if I still not get anything and then call them back.

1.why I-130 approved letter still not receive yet it lose or ...?

2.My case is CR1/IR1 or still F2a (green card)?

3.What is next step for my complicate case?

Thank you!

yoyo888,

You are not alone. My IR-5 case was approved on 4/3/2013 and until today I have not received the Approval Letter from the USCIS. When I called, they told me to wait until 30 days. However, my file is currently at the National Visa Center and it's moving...

Yes I'm happy but what a ridiculously long wait. At least it's over now. Onward we go.....................

Wow! NOA2 after 373 days! That's insane. COngratulations!

I haven't seen any approvals yet today...

It seems like the USCIS has slown down the waive of approvals seen 3 weeks ago. Hope they get back in track soon..

They way we get information to answer peoples questions is by people filling out their timelines. SO please edit your timeline in your profile so we have data to share on how long AP takes certain countries.

How did his interview go? What questions were asked? Did they want more documentation of your relationship or new sponsor paperwork? These things may be reasons for AP or it could just be name checks.

Ap lasts 1 week to 2.5 years as I seen here on VJ

Good Luck

Posted 07 October 2011 - 02:45 PM

SECURITY NAME CHECKS

AND ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW*

REVISED: May 2008

GARY G. BALA

SEE LATEST INFORMATION ON USCIS SECURITY NAME CHECKS:

1. USCIS PRESS RELEASE: "USCIS & FBI RELEASE JOINT PLAN TO ELIMINATE BACKLOG

OF FBI NAME CHECKS" (APRIL 02, 2008)

2. USCIS FACT SHEET ON "IMMIGRATION SECURITY CHECKS" (APRIL 25, 2006)

I. SECURITY NAME CHECKS (ALSO CALLED BACKGROUND CHECKS)

For public safety & welfare and national security reasons, all visa petitions under current regulation and procedure are placed through security name checks at three (3) locations: 1. USCIS office, 2. National Visa Center (NVC) and 3. the U.S. Consulate where the visa is ultimately issued.

There can be not one but several levels of security checking: There is an initial security name check done rountinely on all in-coming petitions. If the results produce a "lookout hit" or "red flag hit", the petition is placed in line for additional more intensive customized security screening, which could include a request for full fingerprints and which obviously has the undesirable effect of extending processing time for adjudication. While security checking is widely focused on the visa beneficiary, petitioners and even attorneys and consultants involved in a case are subject to security screening.

A Lookout Hit or Red Flag Hit can be generated on a visa petition, among other reasons, for any the following:

*Past arrest record

*Past criminal conviction record

*Past firearms record

*Past record of domestic violence or sexual offenses

*Past fingerprint record with any law enforcement agency

*Past visa or immigration history

*Watch List or Pending Charges "Hit": Petitioner or Beneficiary is currently on watch list or wanted on pending charges with any law enforcement or other government agency, (local, state, federal, FBI, INTERPOL, Homeland Security, State Department designated terrorist group list)

*Common or Similar Last Name with others in the database who have

past arrest or conviction records (sometimes called a "False Hit")

Under post 09-11 legislation such as USA Patriot Act, Border Security Act and Intelligence Reform Act, our Immigration Service, the Consulates, and Customs and Border Protection, have worked to significantly upgrade their technological capabilites, increase inter-agency data-sharing and coordinate investigative activities. The current policy directive is "zero tolerance" policy for security issues. The on-going U.S.Visit program is one example. Another important example is the implementation of a critical software upgrade which effectively links up Immigration and Consular databases with many local law enforcement data bases and the FBI criminal database.

Obviously, any security name check is only as good as the accuracy and completeness of the database upon which the check the done. Here is a sample of the principal databases upon which an immigration and consular security check can be done currently:

*NCIC (National Crime Information Center)(also called FBI criminal database)

*IBIS (Interagency Border Inspection System)

[Click Here for More Information on Security Checks with IBIS.]

*NIIS (Non-Immigrant Information System)

*CLASS (Consular Lookout and Support System)(This name-check database

in particular has been greatly expanded, now storing up to 18 million records.)

*CCD ( Consular Consolidated Date Base)(Stores 75 million records of past visa applications and outcomes)

*TIPOFF (Classified DOS Bureau of Intelligence database)

*NAILS (National Automated Immigration Lookout System)

*TECS II (Treasury Enforcement and Communucation System)

*TSC and TTIC databases (DOS Terrorist Screening system)

At USCIS (Homeland Security Department) stage, currently, NCIC, IBIS and NIIS database checks are done, with the option, if warranted, to do additional database checks.

At National Visa Center (State Department) stage, a separate independent NCIC database check is done by in-house FBI staff in connection with information supplied in the DS-230. Based on results, NVC has the option to request full fingerprints to be taken at post. NVC checks can usually be completed in 24 hours. In some limited cases involving high-risk visa applicants meeting certain specific criteria, NVC also does Security Advisory Opinions (SOAs) before sending the file to Consular Post.

At Consular stage, there are three (3) Visa Security name checks done: CONDOR, MANTIS AND MORE ANOTHER NCIC (via CLASS)

[Consulate has option, if warranted, to run full gamut of checks, such as CCD (past visa applications & results), TIPOFF (DOS Bureau of Intelligence), NAILS (Nat'l Automated Immigration Lookout System), TECS II (Treasury Dept. database), TSC & TTIC (DOS Terrorist screening)].

CONDOR refers to a check done mostly of information supplied on Form DS-157, and focuses on visa applicants with a potential terrorist, firearms or weapons background. CONDOR in most cases should be completed in 90 days or less. If not, contact the VO Public Inquiry line at Tel: 202-663-1225 or usvisa@state.gov

MANTIS refers to when potentially sensitive technologies might be used by the visa applicant in her visit to the U.S. If the visa applicant might employ a "critical-fields" technology in the U.S. which could have a "dual-use" such military or national security application, this check will be done to screen out a high-risk applicant. Most MANTIS checks can be done in 30 days. If not, contact the SAO Problem Resolution Unit at saoinquiries@state.gov.

NCIC (via CLASS) refers to the name check procedure done by the Consulate with the NCIC criminal database at FBI. This procedure screens visa applicants by name to see if there is a "hit" with the criminal database: that is, a person in the criminal database has the same or very similar name to the visa applicant.

"False Hits" Problem: Consular posts however have recently been inundated with "false hits" from 7 million new names added to the NCIC database, including persons with convictions for minor offenses such as simple DUIs and shoplifting. Many visa applicants with common names with those in the database get a "false hit": the refers to when a visa applicant's name matches a name in the datebase but is NOT actually that same person in the database, just a person with a common or very similar name. This places the case into what is called "Administrative Review". Under current rules, the Consulate is required in this circumstance to receive full clearance from FBI (via the NVC) before Consulate can issue the visa. It may require a full fingerprint check and customized investigation. Full clearance from FBI (via the NVC) in most cases can take 4 to 6 weeks, but in some cases much longer and even months.

"False hits" have become a major problem for some visa applicants. There are reportedly an alarming number of false hits caused by similar or identical or very similar names, or errors, inconsistencies or discrepencies in listed names in official documents. This is true especially in countries, such as the Latin countries, where there are only a few surnames and name-similarity is common, or record-keeping accuracy in official documents is dubious. Reportedly, approximately half of all names in the NCIC database are Latino, and this has resulted in a high number of false hits for individuals with common or very similar last names at Consulates in the Latin countries. Applicants presently are not allowed the opportunity to prove that they are not the same person as that on the database, nor is there a way to initiate security checking in advance of the visa application.

Thus, the best protection for visa applicants to avoid name check problems and delays resulting from Administrative Review at the Consulates and USCIS is: providing full, accurate and truthful name information (first, last, middle, and other) in all forms and documents, timely submission of local police clearance reports and promptly complying with any request for full fingerprints.

*SPECIAL NOTE ON EFFORTS TO AVOID OR CIRCUMVENT "FALSE HIT" BACKGROUND SECURITY CHECK*: Except in the most extra-ordinary circumstances, advance efforts to avoid or circumvent "false hit" before it happens, or complete a background security check in advance, such early submission to the Consulate of the DS-156 and DS-157 or police, arrest or fingerprint records, will probably not be fruitful. As stated by AILA: "Although attorneys have attempted to be pro-active and expedite the process by submitting copies of arrest records, final court-dispositions and attorney-initiated FBI results [and DS-156 and 157], at the initial visa application, consular officers are required to obtain fingerprints in a NCIC name check "hit". Once a post has received a response from the FBI via the National Visa Center (NVC), it may at the consular officer's discretion accept documentation from the applicant that matches the extract provided by the FBI. However, consular posts will not accept submission of all related documents in lieu of initiating required security checks and fingerprinting." See 22 CFR Section 41.105(b)(2), and "DOS Answers to AILA's Questions" (Oct. 02, 2002), published on AILA InfoNet at Doc. No. 02100340 (posted Oct. 03, 2002).

*SPECIAL NOTE ON NEW SOFTWARE TO EXPEDITE "FALSE HIT" CLEARANCES*: Department of State (DOS) has initiated worldwide deployment of new computer software that is expected to greatly reduced the clearance time for applicants who have been the subject of "false hits" in the visa security check process. The new software will allow posts to capture the applicant's digital fingerprints and check them electronically with the FBI's NCIC database within 24 hours. DOS has launched this new software through a pilot program at consular posts in Mexico City, and reports that the pilot program has been able to clear "false hits" in as little as same day (sometimes in one or two hours). Worldwide deployment of the new software to expected to be finalized once the Technical Communications Security Office approves the program. See "DOS Answers to AILA'S Questions" (March 23, 2006), published on AILA InfoNet at Doc. No. 06041060 (posted Apr. 10, 2006).

II. ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW

"Administrative Review" refers to a Consular Official placing the case "on hold" because the Visa Petitioner or Beneficiary FAILED TO PASS the security name check or background check, or because the Consulate or State Department or Homeland Security NEEDS TO INVESTIGATE some issue or matter in the case more closely. Cases placed into Administrative Review can ADD WEEKS OR EVEN MONTHS to processing time and final decision on visa issuance, typically in most cases AT LEAST 4 to 8 weeks additional time. Under current regulation, there is no right of appeal within State Department or Homeland Security for administrative review status. It is suggested that visa petitioners and beneficiaries keep track of the status of their case as best as possible, and secure, if possible, the reason or reasons their case has been placed into administrative review, which at least helps to relieve some anxiety during the waiting time.

**STATUS CHECK OF CASES IN ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW: Status Checks of cases in administrative review should first be addressed to the Consulate in question. Click Here for List of Consulates. The State Department's Office of Visa Services can also assist in status checking of cases which are unusually delayed. Tel: 202-663-1225 (Punch 1, Then 0, Avg. Wait Time Approx. 15 minutes to Speak with a Live "Visa Specialist", ET 8:30 AM to 5:00PM). E-Mail: usvisa@state.gov Click Here for More Information. For people who want to be active during the painful waiting period, especially if it becomes protracted, here are two suggestions: 1. Request in Writing Information from Immigration Service and the State Department under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) regarding the reason for the Administrative Delay. See: USCIS Freedom of Information Act Request. and State Department Freedom of Information Request. 2. Order the Visa Applicant's FBI record directly from the FBI and have it ready in case the Embassy requests same. See: FBI Criminal History Record.

**WRIT OF MANDAMUS: What is this Writ and How is it Obtained?

"Writ of Mandamus" refes to a federal court order signed by a federal district judge which directs the Consular Official in the State Department's U.S. Consulate abroad to decide whether to issue a visa or not within a short time. It is appropriate ONLY in a limited number of extra-ordinary cases, where the visa applicant's waiting time has been extremely long. It requires that the U.S. Citizen Visa Petitioner be prepared to spend the time, effort and money to file a federal court lawsuit, namely, an Action for Writ of Mandamus, in the District Court where the Petitioner resides. It is also generally required that reasonable documented efforts be made with Immigration Service or U.S. Consulate and State Department BEFORE filing suit in court.

As explained by the U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Circuit:

"Mandamus is an extraordinary remedy and is available to compel a federal official to perform a duty only if: (1) the individual's claim is clear and certain; (2) the official's duty is nondiscretionary, ministerial, and so plainly prescribed as to be free from doubt, and (3) no other adequate remedy is available. Azurin v. Von Raab, 803 F.2d 993, 995 (9th Cir.1986)."

A Writ of Mandamus is usually not appropriate for a Visa Petitioner and Applicant whose case has been placed into Administrative Review for only a few days, weeks or even months. However, it may be appropriate for a case which has been waiting for many, many months and even years. See: Patel v. Reno (U.S. Court of Appeals, 9th Cir., No. 96-55359a, Jan. 16, 1998)(Court issues Writ of Mandamus to Consular Officials at U.S. Consulate in Bombay, India because "consulate had a duty to act" when Petitioner's family visa applications were under administrative review for EIGHT (8) years without decision). For more general information, see: Writ of Mandamus Process Practice Advisory from AILF.

*INTERNATIONAL MARRIAGE BROKER REGULATION ACT ("IMBRA")*: Security Name Checks at USCIS and the Consulates have reportedly intensified due to the passage of IMBRA, which effectively requires more security checks of both Petitioner and Beneficiary, including check for Abuse Protections Orders, court-restraining or "no-contact" orders and past domestic violence history, and a check on the number of a past K Visa petitions a Petitioner has submitted.

For more on IMBRA, see: IMBRA

RESEARCH BIBLIOGRAPHY:

You really nailed some great & detailled information here for folks like us who are in the AP. Thanks for sharing and helping others..

Last week I was finally approved! After 9 month and without interview I finally have my green card with me. Arrived today I just can't believe Im gonna be "uscis free" for 2 years but definitely happy my husband and I want to say thank you for all the help and the support we received from you and thanks to God and to my vj friends, we completed succesfully, half of my immigration journey to citizeship. An special thank to Harpa Timsha and Didopage (sorry if I did not write correctly). You both are definitely 2 of the most great members this website have. In general, thanks to everybody! See you all on january, 2015!! good luck to everybody whose till waiting!

Congratulations! One step forward...until this long journey!

Thanks jc_colin.

Below is from I-129F but I just change the wording. Is it Ok to use below cover letter?

Khmerguy,

You can use this cover letter and it's good. Cover letter is always necessary and it does make things easy for the Immigration Officer to know what has been submitted with the petition.

Hello VJ

I would like to ask regarding petition my mom. I already submit the application. I want to know in

advance what else i need to gather ?

april 17, 2013 submit the application

april 23, 2013 they cash the money from my checking account

what's next?

please let me know so that i can start ready and fill up the form next

shiela

The first step is to wait for the approval/or denial from the USCIS. If your petition is approved, it will be sent to the National Visa Center. From there, you will have to pay the AOS fee first and then IV fee. To be ahead of game, here is the link to the required documents: http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3195.html

I'm speaking about my case and where i'm at.

I figured out after that you were speaking about your case at the NVC.

Hello! Thank you! I am not exactly sure what AP is so, I am assuming the answer is "no" to your question We used DCF through the Embassay in Rome. Things were very quick. From the time I sent the I-130 until he had his Immigrant Visa in hand, 2 months and 10 days had passed.

Ok that makes sense since you did Direct Filing. Anyway..the AP stands for Administrative Processing. This is more often after the Interview.

Hi All

I am currently LPR but I am in the process of becoming USC soon( waiting for oath Ceremony letter). I had filed I-130 for my wife on February 2012 and case is currently pending on CSC. Just for curiosity, I checked the current processing time of CSC for I-130 petition of Spouse of USC (https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/processTimesDisplayInit.do)

I became unable to find the I-130 processing time for the spouse of USC. So did CSC stop processing I-130 petition for the spouse of USC or they are just not publishing the processing time in their website just in order to stop thousands of inquiries but silently and slowly processing the paper?

So what happens when I call USCIS to upgrade my wife's I-130 petition ? Any idea, how long do I have to wait for NOA2 since there is no any processing time-frame in CSC website?

Any thoughts or comments regarding this will be highly appreciated.

Just a week or two ago, there was a wave of approvals. It's true that the USCIS has quite slow down the approvals. Hope you hear something soon from either your local USCIS office or directly from the NBC.

I also would like to know I am in the same position. I filed my I-130 in March 2013 for my wife and two daughter. All I get from the https://egov.uscis.g...sDisplayInit.do Is Initial Review. Thanks

All the stand-alone I-130 are currently being routed to the National Benefit Center. The NBC will them send the file to your local USCIS office. This has been the case since August 2012. Just be patient and you will hear either from your local USCIS office or directly from the NBC.

CSC October 4th filer, approved last night at 10:05 PM, a lot of filers within my WAC number got approved last night... good luck everyone

Congratulations!!...One step forward...

CSC October 4th filer, approved last night at 10:05 PM, a lot of filers within my WAC number got approved last night... good luck everyone

Congratulations! One stage accomplished....