jlcross

"And, bottom line, we DON'T want them to enforce a strict FIFO system because it would likely cause EVERYONE to go more slowly."

I'd settle for a "loose" FIFO system.

It is six months ago today that they received our package. Hasn't even been touched since November 18, 2006. Now, as per their M-620 publications (http://www.uscis.gov/files/article/f_english.pdf), they do state that ..."we process cases that are the same type based on the order of when they were filed." um.... bullhonkey. The woman at the USCIS phone center tried to explain that to me. When I pointed out the fact that I know of people after me that have gotten their NOA2's she decided to read it to me off her computer screen again. When i asked her again she told me that she "doesn't have access to that information".

Let's see, what else was there? Oh yeah... the defined "service level goal" for an I-129f petition is six months. One might think at this point they could give at least a few answers to a few simple questions like, say, "Do you still even have my petition"? One might think they could do this, but one would be wrong. In fact not only will they not tell you anything after six months, they still won't tell you anything if you reach that lovely little date they post on their "currently processing" webpage. You must wait 30 days after that lovely little date. So as of now, that will take me to 8 months before anybody becomes even slightly accountable for answers.

It is also interesting to note that in that same M-620 publication they state that "The extra 30 days is to allow time for any notice from us to reach you as we process your case". Now I'm sorry if I got this wrong, I did go to public school after all. But wouldn't that technically mean that a decision or notice would be sent out prior to this 30 day period. Those extra 30 days are not defined as "extra processing days if we don't make the cut in the first seven months". And one might again think that when speaking to a USCIS rep on the phone during these 30 days they might be able to say something like "Hey, somethings coming". I'm sure one would be wrong there too.

Coincidentally the USCIS people must be bad with simple math. The woman at the call center tried to tell me they update the "currently processing" website bi-weekly. (hmmm, let me think.... 5/9/07 minus 4/18/07...hmm....carry the 2.....oh, yeah 3 weeks) Gifted they are.

And one might think that when you ask to speak with a supervisor that you might actually get to speak with a supervisor. One would be wrong again.

Don't trust a thing you read with regards to timelines, especially if it comes from the USCIS.

Moral of this story.... Don't look a gift horse in the mouth. MM_MS, I appreciate the sentiment of your post, but if you get your NOA2 soon.... take it and run. I'm certain many other that have waited as long and longer than I have can agree with that. I wouldn't wish the pain and frustration of this experience on anyone, except people that work at the CSC. Karma can be a beotch.

This rant is now concluded

Site is updated as or 05.06.07

BIG WEEK!!!! A total of 39 reported NOA2's!!!!!

Our oldest November filer received an RFE. Not what Jim was hoping for but at least it is something

One straggling December filer reported approval

Case Status

PS.

I will update next week, then I will be gone for two weeks as I will be traveling to assist my SO and her son in there journey to the USA!!!!

great - thank you ! Here is my commentary

Munching over my favorite 'Movement' chart , the biggest ever movement reported last week with % approval gain close to 70% from previous high-week. This tells me that USCIS is definitely in the 'catch up' mode. Also, about 20% of the Feb filers have been approved. Overall I see this as a positive indication and chances of delaying subsequent filers look low if USCIS continues in this 'catch up' mode.

I hope "catch up" mode translates to "let's finish November ASAP" mode.

What about you, jlcross...did you have anything like divorces or something out of the usual that might slow your packet down? I have a very straight forward, easy divorce as well but back in 2000.

I wonder if they just started the Security/BAckground Check with my touch and now we wait til the all-clear. Not sure why someone in the UK would have to wait a long time for a background check though.

I'm just rambling...trying to make sense of all of this. This is really putting a strain on everything in my life right now...I just flip out on my guy sometimes which doesn't help things...

Nope... no previous marriages, no former applications, no law enforcement record, nothing. We are both clean as can be.

My advice, don't try to make sense of any of this. There is no rhyme or reason when you're dealing with the US government. Trust me, I know. I've worked for the US government before.

No doubt! What is UP with getting 2 touches last week and then nothing...I don't remember ever seeing that before!!!

NOA1: 1/3/07

Touched: 4/24/07

Touched: 4/25/07

...(raises hand) Don't want to worry you but I had two touches back in January and nothing since.

Touches?? what are those??

(yes, I know what they are but since mine hasn't been "touched" since 11/18/06 (NOA of 11/16/06) I have classified them in the same group as santa claus and the easter bunny)

wasn't offended...didn't realize there was still a November filer hanging around. I hope they get to you soon.

yeah, unfortunately there are a couple of us still stranded between NOA-1 and NOA-2.

It's a lesson in futility and patience, and I truly hope none of the people on who who have filed more recently have to learn that lesson.

no offense, but I'm hoping the finish November before they start cranking on January

It may be about time to contact your congressman.

Been there, done that. Both senators and my congressman. All three have contacted USCIS but they can't really do much more before the "normal processing time" of 6 months goes by. There is a glaringly apparent lack of accountability with USCIS.

no offense, but I'm hoping the finish November before they start cranking on January

Jim&Gemz,

I hope if anyone gets an approval, its you and jlcross ! I would gladly give up my place in line if it meant you getting your NOA-2. Trust me, I know what your wait time has been like. It happened to me last year. It isn't very pretty.

Thanks, I appreciate the sentiment. I've quit waiting for the NOA2, now's I'm just waiting for the 6-month mark so I can call and, hopefully, get more than a canned answer.

146 days and counting since NOA1

My advice.... try not to expect any touches and you won't be disappointed. Our petition hasn't been "touched" in 140 days.

For working overtime, they sure are taking their sweet time with our petition. Why even say they process the cases "in the order in which they are received" if they don't even come close to that edict?

Here's the situation: I-129F filed Nov. 9, 2006. NOA1 sent November 16, 2006. Petition last touched November 18, 2006.

November 18, 2006 is a saturday. As someone who has worked for the Government before, it seems a little odd to me that the employees at USCIS would be putting in overtime on a weekend. When I asked the "oh-so-helpful" lady on the help line if they work on saturdays she wouldn't answer, saying that she doesn't know when they work at all.

So, does anyone know if they put in hours on saturdays at the CSC?

Thanks,

J

We got our NOA1 - 11/16/06. It was touched - 11/18/06. Apparently it went MIA after that.