No, that's not true. If they apply for new permits close to their expiry date, they may retain their permits instead of sending them in (writing "set...
I don't think he has an np. What is your cop? Anyway I know Australia and the uk gladly issue visas on an red rather quickly within a couple of weeks...
N400 - NYC (Brooklyn)
March 12 2010: Sent
April 7 2010: FP done- walk-in
August 3 2010: ID decision not made
December 12 2010: Lawsuit filed under 8 USC 1447(b)
March 31 2011: 31 Oath date
April 1 2011: Passport applied, picked up!