JD2

Our I-130 was approved in just a few months. Then, our I-751 was also approved freakishly fast. So, I thought maybe our N-400 will be too but I don't think so. I wonder if we had applied on the first day eligible on Dec. 1st if it would have gone faster because biometrics would have been reused. They passed a rule after that to require biometrics on all N-400s.

I think they pad those processing times so they have some runway before people can do inquiries. If you look at actual timelines, they are shorter generally. I have noticed real timelines are highly variable as well. Some people get interview in 2 months while others 9 months and everything in between. I'm thinking those shorter timelines have gone away since October end. At least I haven't seen any at my Field Office and you would except some based on the preceding year's timelines.

Seems like processing has slowed down. I haven't seen a single person get an interview who filed after October 28th. Maybe due to the partial shutdown and the full shutdown before it? USCIS is fee funded but the director posted on Twitter that the full shutdown would slow down processing.

I did and they said they'd forward the suggestion to their product team. I think Lawfully has a lot of data so I was surprised they didn't do this already. I think they sell their data as a product to their business customers.

Back when we were at I-130 stage, and I-751, Lawfully app asks you to select which service center you have. They could easily add a menu to select Field Office.

If you use Lawfully to track N-400, why don't they have you select your field office so they can get better data?

We're only 20 min away from our Field Office. I assumed they had offices all over. They should let people do biometrics at their local police station.

I think she can request an appointment for an ADIT stamp online on her myUSCIS portal

Overcoming an Absence of More than 6 Months (but Less than 1 Year) The applicant did not terminate his or her employment in the United States or obtain employment while abroad; The applicant’s immediate family members remained in the United States; and The applicant retained full access to or continued to own or lease a home in the United States. https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-12-part-d-chapter-3

I used Precheck today. I think they walked it back.

It means keep waiting.

No, only N-400. I-751 got approved already.

My wife had biometrics. Shortly after, she got an email "We have taken an action on your case" and when she logged into myUSCIS, she saw the status changed to "Case Is Still Being Processed By USCIS." Then, an hour and 15 minutes later, she got another email saying "We have taken an action on your case" but this time, no change on myUSCIS. Does everyone get two "We have taken an action on your case" emails?

With that being said, I would still advise you to wait until full 3 years of marital union unless you have a compelling reason to apply early. It's only 3 months.

I saw on YouTube that Attorney Jim Hacking recommends filing early despite the instructions (see timestamped video link below). I did a consult with a local attorney and he also said the same but then didn't respond to email follow up when I quoted the instructions to him. I wonder if that means it is still enforced very rarely because if an attorney's clients were frequently getting denied due to marital union, they'd have to change their recommendations, right? https://www.youtube.com/live/VP6WLmnuB4Q?si=Dz24fWNTlevgX3ZC&t=1619

No, but if you apply by paper, you can go to the last page and put an explanation. No, only travel history since arriving in the USA Portrait The policy memo states "USCIS will place greater emphasis on an alien’s positive attributes and contributions in GMC determinations. These positive factors include, but are not limited to: • Sustained community involvement and contributions in the United States. • Family caregiving, responsibility, and ties in the United States. • Educational attainment. • Stable and lawful employment history and achievements. • Length of lawful residence in the United States. • Compliance with tax obligations and financial responsibility in the United States." My wife got an affidavit from her priest but I have not heard of anyone getting denied due to not having GMC letter. Can't hurt. https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/policy-alerts/08.15.2025-Restoring_a_Good_Moral_Character_Evaluation_Standard_for_Aliens_Applying_for_Naturalization-Policy_Memorandum_FINAL.pdf

As others have noted, you can contact your Senators or Representative (low/medium chance of helping but free) or file a writ of mandamus (very high chance of helping but expensive). Now this is a bit controversial, you can also file an I-129F for a K-3 visa. It also has a low chance of helping but it's also free. So it depends on your finances and if you want to spend money.

Yes, take a new I-864 and bring the new supporting documents as well.

Yes OP would have to get a copy of NOA1 from the attorney, or find the SMS if OP filed a G-1145

USCIS online account. a petitioner can add a paper filed case after making the online account.

I would keep the attorney on until the NVC stage to get the money's worth. the OP should still get notices in the mail as well as the attorney but if not OP can see them on myUSCIS

Your lawyer screwed up. Most immigration lawyers will charge the fees to you then submit the payment to USCIS drawn on their account so you don't have to worry about this. And, shipping it to the wrong address is inexcusable. Normally, attorneys also have set fees per stage (USCIS then NVC/Consulate). You should double check your retainer to see how yours is laid out.

You don't need a huge additional packet for the interview. Look at the I-751 instructions. There's a list of evidence. Just bring a few more things from that list to the interview.

the visa is good for a maximum of 6 months

Self employed