STurcotte77

1 minute ago, Sam713 said:

It's really hard to find a pattern. I came to the US in 2015 and my case was stuck. I've also seen people who have been in the US for over a decade and who have applied for naturalization in late 2020 or sometime in 2021 and got their applications processed quickly with no issues. USCIS is a mystery to me. The process is very manual and highly dependent on humans as opposed to systems which makes it very inefficient. If this is the last time you have to deal with them, then you're probably good since they will get to your application at some point and you won't have to deal with this headache again. But if you have to deal with them again for something as simple as getting a replacement naturalization certificate or as complex as sponsoring someone, then you're bound to be disappointed again.

Yeah,  it just seems there is no rhyme or reason to their processes at this point. 

One of the biggest reasons I waited so long to file for my N400 was just not wanting to deal with USCIS for a while (when I did my initial they accidently put someone else's number on my application at biometrics and it took 3 extra months of me hassling them to fix it).  

I am going to just keep plugging along with the FOIA and possibly sue if it that doesn't work. 

9 hours ago, Coco&Kitten said:

Good question.  My theory on this is that it depends on the history of each case in particular.  Some newer applicants are also stuck (like mine, I filed in Feb 2021).  It seems to depend on whether you had an old A-file or not, meaning an immigration history (or even non-immigration visas) from before 2010.  Those cases are all in paper, not like the new ones that are electronic, hence the delays getting those old files.  Just my 2 cents here.

This is also my theory actually.  I’ve been asking people who’s cases are stuck (on all different platforms) when they started and and a majority of them are older files.   My original file was started in 2008.  But there has been a lot of them that are around the 2009 mark. (My 10 yr was issued in 2009).  
It’s a very valid reason in my opinion.   

Was this published somewhere?

Just asking because I know a group of us were wondering if some media coverage would help?   

12 hours ago, n400may2020 said:

Another user  (may 2020 filer) with A file request did the trick for me and spouse. Interview scheduled today after 20 months. FOIA request has been in stage for 3 for 1 week.

Wonderful!  When did you file your FOIA please?

Just helps with a general idea of a timeline for all of us.. 

4 hours ago, AB01 said:

Folks,

New here - wanted to see if I can some inputs.

I had my N-400 filed way back in May/Jun of 2020 with the Chicago office and got my biometrics done by Sep of 2020 and since then has been in an indefnite wait.

I've recently done an online request and am yet to hear back.

 

Any body in similar boat ...or can others guide on the best way forward please?
 

Appreciate any constructive help/ suggestions 

Hi!  Are you a part of the May 2020 filers on here?   We have all been going through solutions on there....some with success.  For a more comprehensive list and advice on what has worked and how to do it you can go here https://www.facebook.com/groups/517983782770173

There are a little over a 100 of us all sharing advice and our experiences on different things we are all trying. 

On 1/16/2022 at 5:43 PM, amarsolo said:

Hello everyone .

I submitted my application this month and i recieved a letter from the USCIS saying that its not necessary for you to appear for biometric cause they used my previous one and the fee will not be refunded ,

Is that a comun thing , and is that going to speed up the process

Thx

It may or may not speed it up.   I filed in May 2020, got my bio reuse on Jan 2021 and still have no interview as with a lot of people.  

Some people filing over the last 6 months already have their oath ceremony so there is not really any timeline per say to follow now. 

8 minutes ago, Rn400 said:

STurcotte77 -Thanks, good info. I checked mine now and it's on Track2. But no idea why no sign of an interview!

12/10 filed. Step 3 ..6300 on queue. Very confusing! fingers crossed!! 

Hmmm... there was someone over on the FB group in a similar situation.  I wonder why that is...maybe something to do with size/age of original A file? Just speculation. 

Mine was back in 2007 so I am also curious if the year you filed originally has anything to do with the actual processing of the FOIA.  All speculation and my overactive brain.  LOL 

5 minutes ago, lightstream19 said:

Okay thanks, but no info there yet, just the document library and submission date, I would give it a week. Thanks once again and good luck to us all!

Oh okay.  Don't lose hope, it took 8 days for my status to move. 

1 minute ago, lightstream19 said:

Okay thanks for the explanation, but how do I know If I’m on track 2 complex track please?

Oh sorry!  When check your FOIA status there is a "Document Library" on the top right under the control number.  There should be a receipt letter there and it will say on there.  🙂

4 minutes ago, lightstream19 said:

I think step 2 is “File Requested” ? So what do you mean by complex track please?

 

I filed FOIA on 01/13 and requested for my entire A-file and it’s still in step 1 though, I should have done this in December, but anyway finger crossed.

Yes, of course. It's basically their internal tracking system.  Here is a brief explanation of it; 

Multi-track Processing USCIS uses a three-track, first-in/first-out (FIFO) processing system.

Track 1 is for less complex cases in which a requester needs only one or only a few specific documents from the file.

Track 2 is for more complex cases. A complete copy of a file, requests from the news media, or special interest groups are examples of Track 2 cases. If we receive a request for specific documents which implies most of the file (for instance, “the asylum application and all supporting documents,”) we will assign the request to the complex track.

Track 3 is an accelerated track for cases involving individuals who are to appear before an immigration judge. In order to receive Track 3 priority processing, you must include one of the following documents with the FOIA request: • Form I-862, Notice to Appear, documenting a future scheduled date ofthe subject’s hearing before the immigration judge; or • Form I-122, Order to Show Cause, documenting a future scheduled date ofthe subject’s hearing before the immigration judge; or • Form I-863, Notice of Referral to Immigration Judge; or • a written notice of continuation of a future scheduled hearing beforethe immigration judge.

6 minutes ago, April202Filer said:

Great -  Thanks for listing down the details! I appreciate it. Mine below 

 

12/14 - Applied for FOIA

12/27 - FOIA change of application status (Step2) - Still in Step 2 

01/13 - Interview Scheduled

02/12 - Interview Due

Awesome.  
I’m so mad at myself cause I filed on 12/23 but only requested the N-400 (I don’t know what I was thinking).   I filed for the A file 1/12 and just hit step 2 (complex track 2) today.  

3 minutes ago, lightstream19 said:

I submitted the FOIA on 01/13 requesting for my entire A-file and it’s still in step one, I would give it more time though but do I need to register the case by pin please?

You don't actually need the pin for anything... if you just go to this link and click the "View my requests" it will show your submitted/pending requests. 

https://first.uscis.gov/#/

10 hours ago, Vol_UTK said:

Any update from fellow FOIA requesters, i am stuck on step 1 since 1/11!!

Nothing yet! But, i know it does state on the email  it takes up to 10 days so I am not sweating it just yet. 

When I put my first FOIA request in (I only did it for the N400 file 😕 ) it took 10 days, that one just went to step 4 this morning.  I submitted another one on 1/12 for my whole A file and that one is still in Step 1.  

38 minutes ago, Vol_UTK said:

When i am checking the status of my FOIA on this link, i am getting totally incorrect information:

https://first.uscis.gov/#/check-status

Where are you all checking the statuts?

Here is the link; https://first.uscis.gov/#/

Click "View my requests" on the top right corner. 

Just now, roddie2k said:

Request the entire A-file - it goes through the complex track but it is comprehensive.

Ahhhh.   That’s what I did wrong.  Well I put in another request for all it yesterday so hopefully this one will work. 
I was starting to get real discouraged.  Lol
 

3 minutes ago, MKT3121 said:

My immigration journey started back in 2008. Does anyone think the reason some people are getting their interviews scheduled after submitting FOIA is because their whole a file is digital?

 

 

I wonder that as well. My immigration journey started in 2008 as well. 

Just now, lightstream19 said:

Okay, what should I select on the available file types please?

I guess to be safe your enitre A file....?

I have requests for both A file and N400 but I think from what I am reading just the A file will do. 

9 minutes ago, roddie2k said:

Yes from your USCIS account and for description it would just be complete Alien file 

Yes you would have to.

Ah that's good to know!  I only requested N400 in Dec...

To be safe I put in another request for my Complete A File yesterday. 🙂

2 hours ago, rams_usa said:

Great news!!! I just logged into USCIS portal this morning and see both mine and wife's interview were scheduled for Feb. 

We filed FOIA on Dec 12th. Mine went to step 3 on Dec 30. My wife's is still in Step 2 as of this morning. 

It looks like FOIA has triggered the interview. 

We have international trip next day after the interview and wondering if we can ask USCIS to have next Oath ceremony date instead of the same day oath. Any one has any experience in this ?

YAY!   That's awesome.  Congratulations. 

1 hour ago, keyuree1 said:

They are gonna have to give you another one because your status didn't expire it's only your card. Only a judge can rule on your status as a permanent resident. For example, if you commit crime. So you should be good. My stamp expires in March so I will have to go back again to get a new one because I wanna be able to travel back home in case of emergency. 

Oh , well that is good to know!  It sounds like we are in very similar situations. 

12 hours ago, keyuree1 said:

I wonder if it would trigger something. When I started filling the application for the green card renewal, it said that I already have a pending application. If nothing happens until May, I might just do that. I don't even wanna be a citizen anymore.

 

I don't know anymore.  HA!   

I filed for citizenship mainly so I could just get my name changed back (I am divorced) and I didn't want to have to file and pay for a name change and a renewal. The only urgency I have really is that I am on an extension stamp that expires April of this year and I don't know if i can get another one.  It's all very frustrating and stressful at this point. 

56 minutes ago, magentahaze said:

Hey everyone. 

I am also one of the very frustrated people who are in this limbo and at my wits end. 

Filed online May 6th 2020

I am an Iowa resident 

My 10 yr GC expires June of 2023. 

I really don't know what to do. 

I thought about maybe drawing up a petition from all of us and sending it to the White House.   

I mean I am already on a 12 month extension stamp which is due to expire in April, I don't even know if they will issue another one or not.  

14 minutes ago, keyuree1 said:

They will just blame everything on Covid but they might just dig out your application. They don't have the time and the resources to get involved in a lawsuit. It might cost you some pretty penny tho. I rather file for a green card renewal and cough up the $500 for that. 

I have to agree with you!   I was holding out a last hope that the FOIA would help, but nothing has moved since it went to step 3 on 12/23.  

I am also thinking I will just file for a renewal as well.  I've got the application waiting to hit send.  LOL 

13 hours ago, Labradoodle said:

I’m confused about the “workflow” that happens during the USCIS FOIA process. Who requests the A-file from whom? When we send the request through the USCIS website, does the NRC (which is part of the USCIS I believe) request our A-file from National Archives? Or does the USCIS send our file to the NRC? And if so, what does the NRC do with it? So confusing! It would be great if someone can explain what exactly happens step bu step. Thanks! 

Here is a link to the USCIS FOIA process. Has pretty much all the information in it. 

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/uscisfoiarequestguide(7).pdf

5 minutes ago, Vol_UTK said:

N400 Application or A File?

Oh sorry! A file.